By Lindy Earl
For years, one of my hobbies was worrying. I must have found some solace in it, for I found myself doing it on a regular basis. I worried about what I should say or do. I worried about how others would respond to what I said and did. I worried about the weather. We all know the stats that are shared today, that a huge percentage of things, over which we worry, never come to pass.
While it’s easy to tell ourselves not to worry, it’s harder to act on it. So, here are a few specific things to stop your worrying.
First, catch yourself when you worry. Are you thinking about your upcoming presentation, or worrying about it? If you’re overly distracted by an upcoming event, you may be worrying about it.
Second, take action. I mean, physical action. Breathe. Take a walk. Go for a run if you have good knees. Pump weights. Clean out a closet, room, or garage. Do something physical.
Third, occupy your mind. You can’t worry if your mind is otherwise engaged. Get busy on a mental project. Balance your checkbook. Memorize pi. Play sudoku or some other brain game. Read a novel. Get into a lively conversation with someone. Keep your mind busy and away from your concern.
When you’re ready, discern why this particular event or person has you worried. This is when you consider if you really have any control, or even input, into your worries. If you’re worried about an upcoming exam, then study! If you’re worried about a presentation, practice! If you’re worried about a conversation, again, practice. Find a substitute if you can, but if not, even practicing your side of the conversation, aloud, will increase your confidence and decrease your anxiety.
If you really don’t have any control over the situation, such as whether it’s going to rain on Saturday, this is when you make a conscious decision to not worry. I suggest using visualization. Using this rain example, every time you find yourself focused on your concern (i.e., worrying), picture beautiful weather – sunshine and rainbows. As you focus on the positive, incorporate a physical element from above, such as breathing. You will find your worries dissolve. With practice, you will find you worry less.
Worrying is a choice. Make a decision to not worry. You will find serenity in your life.
Lindy is a Speaker, Columnist, Author, and Consultant. Contact her at LMEarl@EarlMarketing.com or find her on Face Book and like her FB page. Also join her FB group, Single Again: From Devastation to Dating.
