Every day, do you find that you're often searching for a word or going into a room and forgetting why you went there? Does it make you concerned when you read about how the actor Bruce Willis has a diagnosis of aphagia, a form of forgetting? Do you think you might have it, too?

Scientists are telling us to stop worrying so much about those instances of simple forgetting that happens to everyone on this planet each day. Forgetting is our brain's way of clearing up space for new information and pushing out stuff that isn't important. Sure, import is relative, isn't it? But are you going to make yourself sick over the anxiety that simple forgetting can cause?

Anxiety is one of your most serious concerns, whether you know it or not. In fact, if you get all bent out of shape over simple forgetting, you are setting yourself up for real problems. How could that be?

Our body has a sensitive "thermostat" of sorts that keeps our health safe, the immune system. We psychologists have been aware for decades how emotions play havoc with that system and bring on illness. The stress of worrying about things that are normal translates into decreasing the effectiveness of our immune system and leaving us vulnerable to disease. What to do?

One of the first things to do is to realize that symptoms such as aphasia are not blips in our memory during the day. Aphasia symptoms riddle all our activities during the day and change our ability to function as usual into inability. We become dysfunctional and require assistance in performing actions that once came as second nature to us. It can progress to simply tying your shoelaces or knowing why you are with someone or where you are. Serious stuff.

Next, give yourself a stress break because that might be what you need right now. Take a walk, tend to your plants, read a book, watch a funny film or do some breathing exercises. If you don't know an exercise, I recorded one on Youtube and here it is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3AJFDV-Iro It's something you can do throughout the day whenever you're feeling a bit overwhelmed.

Third, make sure you are eating a balanced diet, get enough sleep (a regular schedule is recommended), and leave time for socializing with family and friends. We are not machines, and we cannot work like computers, so don't put too much stock in multi-tasking; research has shown it's a bad idea for us humans.

All of us are concerned about Bruce Willis and wish him and his family well during this trying time in their lives.

One last note: Aphasia is diagnosed by a neurologist using brain imaging and other studies. If your forgetting is interfering with your life, talk to your physician about it and see if an evaluation might be needed.