When I teach a class on letting go of worrying, the first thing I ask is “How many of you worry on a consistent basis?” I usually get 90% or more of the class raising their hands. The others may be in denial – why else would they be in the class?
Worrying is a persistent problem for many of us. We worry about our loved ones, our health, our finances, the political climate, the actual climate, our careers and so much more.
The interesting thing is that the more we worry the less we help ourselves or the situation. I have seen several articles that state that 85% of what we worry about never happens and we often have no control over most of the rest.
“When I look back on all these worries, I remember the story of the old man who said on his deathbed that he had had a lot of trouble in his life most of which never happened.” Winston Churchill
We all know worrying is bad for us. It negatively affects our physical and mental health; causes ulcers, insomnia, high blood pressure and more.
So, how do we stop it or at least minimize it? Here are five steps you can take to end worrying.
1. Positively believe that you can get rid of worry.
You must believe you can overcome worrying or you won’t be able to. As Henry Ford said, “If you think you can do a thing or you can’t do a thing, you’re right.“
2. Empty your mind each night before going to bed.
Get a notebook, any kind will do, it doesn’t have to be an actual journal. Every night before you go to bed take one or two minutes to get everything out that’s on your mind. I write down things I need to do at work or home and anything else that seems to be niggling my brain.
3. Start a gratitude journal and write three things for which you are thankful in it each day.
In the same notebook or one set aside for the specific reason of gratitude notes, make an entry every day of three things you are thankful for. Try to choose three different things each day. I prefer doing this one in the morning and at night while I go to sleep I ruminate on the three things from that morning. It helps me fall asleep faster.
4. Every morning fill your mind with positive images and words.
Do this first thing before you watch the news or read the paper. You can do positive affirmations, read scripture or another positive book, visualize your day going well or just think about things that make you feel good inside.
5. When something comes up to worry about give thanks instead.
For instance, if I start to worry about my husband riding his motorcycle or one of my kids driving, I do the following. I take a moment to give thanks for the wonderful family I have, that we are close knit, that we have been safe and protected many times before and I have faith that we will continue to be.
Within a minute or so my anxiety is lessened and I feel positive.
Please try this and comment below with your results. If you liked this post please share it with your friends and be sure to subscribe at the bottom of the page.