Worry – A State Of Mind – Tips To Stop
Worry is part of fear. Worry/fear is prompted by thoughts that something will go wrong, is wrong or can not be reconciled. Worry usually is prefaced with ‘If only….’ or ‘What if….’
There are many reasons why people worry. Some people have a habitual tendency to worry in spite of evidence to the contrary or in spite of evidence there is no reason to be unsettled – i.e. a chronic worrier. Since worry is part of fear it is a very draining experience. In order for worry to manifest, one needs to imagine that something has transpired or will transpire when one least expects it. By definition worry is creating something by projection, conjecture, fantasy or imagination running amuck.
One of the main reasons someone worries is due to a sense of not being in control. For example: You might worry about a loved one driving home in bad weather and projecting there will be a crash. There is nothing one can do to guarantee safety. However, it goes without saying, that worry does not improve the odds of preventing a negative outcome. Worry in this instance seems to give the person a sense of control.
The good news is there are ways to transform worry to have a positive and healing effect. Worry uses the imagination, and so does the antidote to worry. When you notice yourself worrying, shift to imagining the best result instead of projecting the worst outcome. Visualize your loved ones’ path bathed in white light and clearly seeing in your mind’s eye their safe arrival. You can imagine angels and guides guiding their safe journey. When you imagine peace and well-being instead of chaos, strife or tragedy you are adding to a positive outcome rather than contributing energy to a negative outcome.
Another reason some people worry is that something one knows is pending and one is avoiding addressing it. Thus, worry is providing a nagging effect with regard to what one is avoiding; an unpaid parking ticket, impending test, an unaddressed issue, etc. Acknowledging what is lurking beneath the surface and addressing it mitigates the tendency to avoid by worrying. When you confront the situation and own your power to change it, the opportunity to worry is no longer viable.
Mark Twain is credited with stating, “I am an old man and I have known a great many troubles, but most of them never happened.”
Tips to stop worry:
• Focus on and work toward the best case scenario. Accept the worst case scenario is possible. If you can accept the worst case scenario; there is nothing to worry about.
• List your goals and action steps. The benefit of a ‘To Do’ list will stop the worry about missing a detail.
• Include fun in your daily routine: Talking to friends/family. Read an inspirational book/article. Watch a funny movie. Take a walk, exercise, etc.
• Ask for support: Talking things out helps the unknown to seem less stressful.
• Make a Decision: Avoid procrastinating about unresolved personal or business issues.
•Avoid procrastinating about doing unpleasant tasks.
• Confront Issues Head-on: It seldom is the issue that causes one to worry. It is the anticipation of the tasks at hand. Deal with issues in a timely manner.
• Relax: Take time to relax. When you notice yourself becoming tense take a 10 minute break. Close your eyes and take deep long breaths through your nose and exhale through your mouth. With each breath visualize yourself meeting your goal on time with ease.
• Listen to relaxing music: Relaxing music and/or motivational messages will assist you to shift your thoughts.
• Monitor Your Thoughts: Notice your thoughts and what you say. Replace negative and pessimistic thoughts with powerful and empowering thoughts. Or have a simple phrase to repeat when the going seems to be all up hill. “Calmness is the cradle of power.” -Josiah Gilbert Holland. “This too shall pass.” -Author unknown.
• Keep a journal: Write everything that you worry about. When you see the fallacy in your thinking you will find it easier to shift to positive thinking.
• Take Care of Your Health: Eat healthy food and exercise 2 – 3 times a week. Get 7 – 8 hours of sleep 5 to 7 nights a week. When you nurture your mind, body and spirit, it is easier to keep things in perspective and easier to manage the unexpected.
• Count Your Blessings: You can be thankful for your health, family, freedoms, home, job and the many conveniences you have created.
Dorothy M. Neddermeyer, PhD, Metaphysician – Certified Hypnosis Practitioner, Author and Speaker. Dr. Dorothy facilitates clearing blocks, fears and limiting beliefs. You can live the life you desire. She brings awareness to concepts not typically obvious to one’s thoughts and feelings. https://drdorothy.net