Posted on Monday, 22nd February 2010 by Catherine
photo by Bitzi
I am not the “worrying” type. This might be a blessing (especially to those reading this who are chronic worriers). I think I have a space, deep inside that worries a lot but I don’t often let it get far enough into my head to take over.
You only have a certain amount of “space” in your head so when you allow the thoughts that turn to worry to take up that space you spend more time in the “what if” stage of thought than the “what is”.
I have mentioned that I am a realist. This state of trying to see and accept what is “real” verses what might be/could be or wish it was is one of the ways I keep from worrying too much.
It has been said that only about a 10th of what we worry about matters. The rest either never happens or already happened, so it’s too late to do anything about it.
There is some debate and research about worrying being “genetic”. I think certainly some people are more susceptible to worrying based on some of their genes. If that is the case, those people need to try even harder to force the worry out of their heads.
Try these ideas to help ease worries:
1. Clear your head. Use meditation, visualization or yoga techniques. I have to admit – I stink at this. I have a very hard time clearing my mind. I struggle with slowing down and focusing on “my breathing”.
2. Write about your worries. Getting the thoughts out of your head an on to paper or a computer screen can be very therapeutic. You may need to go as far as writing then throwing it away – deleting the file as a symbol to your brain that you are done with those thoughts and worries.
3. Think happy thoughts. Do you even know what makes you happy? Think about it? Is it your kids, a travel adventure, a good book, an upcoming date or event? When you turn your thoughts to things that make you happy you will be shocked at how little room is left for worry.
Being happy and thinking happy thoughts is most defiantly a choice. It can be a hard choice but it is a choice and you can make it for yourself.
So the moral of the story is Don’t Worry, Be Happy
You deserve it!
Happy Mental Music Monday y’all!
February 24th, 2010 at 1:31 am
It IS a blessing not to worry, but I like how you encourage your readers to take proactive steps to worry less. Yoga has helped me a lot; I also have learned to challenge some of my anxious automatic thoughts. This is such an important topic — I'm so glad to find your blog! Hollee
My recent post Talk-Back Tuesday: “What’s in a Name?” Edition
February 23rd, 2010 at 7:41 pm
Hollee – Glad you stopped by. I love that I found your blog today as well!! Off to yoga tonight myself~