It seems like there are so many things to worry about these days! Rising prices, corporate layoffs, and a global pandemic fresh in our minds just happen to be our reality. How can you possibly stay calm and not obsess over everything that might go wrong?
I get it, and I’ve fallen victim to it myself. The thing is, worrying is a total waste of time and energy! Think about it, what does all that fear and worry actually accomplish? Nothing except creating a knot in your stomach and unnecessary stress!
You’re probably thinking “Yeah, but there’s so much to worry about. I can’t just stop!” Keep in mind that there’s a big difference between being concerned about something and spending time imagining all of the possible bad outcomes of a situation.
So how can you harness that concern into something positive? Here are a few things that have helped me, a classic worrier!
Focus on the Present Moment
Living in the past or obsessing over what “might” happen in the future is a recipe for anxiety! Take time to breathe, look around you, and pay attention to what is happening right now. Feel the sensation of your clothes against your skin and your feet planted firmly on the floor. Now, focus on the task at hand and remember that you can only control your actions right now.
Take action
There is always something, even a small step, toward resolving the situation. For example, if you’re stressing about your credit card debt, make a phone call to your credit card companies to see if they can work with you or reach out to learn about debt consolidation. This will switch your frame of mind from worry to accomplishment, and you’ll start feeling like there may be an end in sight!
Make a Plan
Once you’ve taken action, there are likely more and more steps you can take to alleviate any stress you have over the situation. Take some time to list out other things you can do to make some progress, and number them in order of priority. If the situation is completely out of control, there are still some things you can do. Keep reading for some ideas, and incorporate them into your plan.
Focus on Gratitude
Gratitude almost sounds like a cliché, but it is truly a powerful habit to acquire. When you start to focus on all that you have in your life, instead of what you don’t have or what brings you down, you start to view things in a different way. It’s harder to worry about negative things when your thoughts are overcome with so much positivity! If you struggle with making the shift, I highly recommend making it a daily practice to jot down at least 3 things you have to be grateful for. You’ll be surprised at how easy it becomes!
Read or Listen to Audiobooks/Podcasts
One of the biggest things that helps me to shift my view is listening to content that is encouraging and uplifting. Sometimes I focus on a specific topic or skill, and other times I’ll plug into a favorite podcast for a quick hit of inspiration. Browse through Amazon or Audible and you’ll find options ranging from time management to problem solving to fixing your finances. If you feel you don’t have time, audiobooks and podcasts may be a solution. I often listen in the car, when I go for a run, or folding laundry.
Talk to Someone
Sometimes it helps just to get an outside perspective. Pick up the phone and talk to a trusted friend or family member about whatever it is that has you so worried. They may be able to see options that you’re not able to see through your fears and may even offer some solutions. At the very least, talking to someone you care about is a great way to get present and connect with others. That’s always a great mood-booster!
As someone who used to waste countless hours worrying about things I couldn’t control, I learned to incorporate these tips into my life as a way of focusing on what I can control. There is nothing worse than feeling like you have no power over your own life, and that’s how worrying always made me feel. Once I started to realize that I could gain some power over the things I was scared of, they started to seem a little less scary. Give it a try for yourself!
