How to Stop Worrying So Much
By Sandy Schroeder
Most of us have a few demons lurking out there, but worry may be one of the most troublesome. When too much is going on, it’s easy to go into worry overdrive.
What if I fail? What if nothing works out? What if this effort is futile? Everybody has their own personal clutch of worry issues, but 90 percent of them won’t happen. Mark Twain said, “Worry is like paying interest on a debt you do not owe.”
Our society generates a fair amount of possibilities for worry, but if you lose sleep over it, you may need to do a self-correction. Most reasonable people watch what’s going on in their lives, and take action when they need to. They also watch the world around them to stay alert. That’s reasonable. But obsessing over issues won’t solve them.
Cover Your Bets
Lifehack suggests you prepare for a storm, but hope for good weather. Have your umbrella handy, but hope for a little sunshine. Remember, rainbows are possible, too. Unless something is actually happening, let the future play out.
Know What Fear Can Do
Too often people give up too early, or shoot themselves in the foot, by expecting something bad to happen. If you face down your fears and stay calm, you may keep the door open for the best possible outcome. I have seen people actually sabotage relationships with negativism. Dropping back and staying cool might have created an entirely different atmosphere.
Understand Probability
Take a closer look at the situation to see what the chances are that it will really happen. Do a little research and come up with actual data instead of just automatically pushing the worry button.
Don’t Overestimate Impact
Sometimes it is tempting to magnify an error. In reality, the error may be more painful to you than it is to everyone else. They are probably busy sorting out their own errors. Figure out why you made the error and then move on.
Depend on Yourself
Over time, we all learn what our strengths are. Remember those strengths when you are tempted to soar off on a worry binge. You may be worrying about your capabilities as a mom, or your progress in a work project. Drop back and review what you have done so far that has worked out.
Be Mindful
If it helps, try a little mindful thinking, considering everything you are worried about without judging it. Later your mind may clear and you will have a better perspective. Mindfulness meditation is now being practiced by everyone from students to soldiers. If it appeals to you, consider taking a class or research it online.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Windermere, Fla.