By
Ricky P O' Shea
Worrying is a perfectly natural response to life's trials and
challenges. It is even healthy to worry to some degree as it can help us
to make better informed decisions by analyzing different scenarios.
However, when worry becomes chronic it can have a negative impact on
your quality of life.
That's why it's important to take the necessary steps to address any issues causing you worry. Avoiding the issue only makes matters worse! You need to determine what's causing you to worry the most and then focus on solutions to ease your burden. Consider the following tips to help you do just that.
Take Corrective Measures
Take a pen and paper and make a list of the things causing you to worry the most. Then make realistic steps to help correct or amend these worrisome situations. You'll be surprised how documenting your worries and knowing that you're seeking solutions can help you to feel better. The key is to plan well. Really analyze each item on your list and try to break it down into manageable steps.
What's The Worst Case Scenario?
The thing with worry is it manifests itself and often you find yourself worrying over things that will never, or are likely to never happen. Take a more logical, realistic approach and determine the worst possible outcome of your situation and then ask yourself; how likely is this to actually happen? Doing so will help you put a fresh perspective on the most worrisome and distressful thoughts.
What Will Be, Will Be
Once you've "assumed" the worst case scenario you need to just accept that whatever will be, will be. It may sound obvious but worrying over it really resolves nothing. Once you learn to accept your situation and know that you're actively seeking solutions you can put your mind at ease knowing that the rest is beyond your control.
The Thought Stopping Technique
The thought stopping technique is a simple process of using the command STOP whenever you notice worrisome thoughts begin to surface. You basically just use the word stop repeatedly to better shut out the negative, self-destructive thoughts. The key with the thought stopping technique is consistency! You need to make it habitual so you subconsciously prevent worrisome thoughts before they surface.
Occupy Your Mind
You'll find that you worry most when you have time on your hands. If you keep yourself busy and mentally stimulated then you're greatly reducing the chances of being consumed by worry. If you do find yourself worrying with time on your hands then try reading a book, do some cleaning, call a friend, go for a stroll, work on your "solutions list", meditate, these are all great ways to keep your mind occupied and free of worry.
Focus On Being More Present
Being more present means to be more mindful, to focus on the here and now. You may have heard the saying; "yesterday's history, tomorrow's a mystery and today is the present that's why they call it a gift". Well, it's true! By focusing only on the present you're removing negative emotions such as guilt, worry, anger or resentment. You'll develop a clear conscience knowing that the choices and actions you make now are what really determine your future.
Reach Out To Others
Sometimes it can pay to share your worries with someone you know and trust. Getting things off your chest can really help ease your burden and getting a third-party perspective can help to explore new possible solutions. If you do feel that your worry is extremely excessive then it may be wise to seek the advice of your GP as too much worry can manifest and lead to anxiety.
Wrapping It Up
In this article we've discussed seven practical tips for stopping worrisome thoughts. It all starts with determining the things that are causing you the most worry and then seeking viable solutions. Keep your mind occupied and whenever you notice worrisome thoughts begin to surface deploy the thought stopping technique. Put these tips to use and you'll soon be living a worry free life.
That's why it's important to take the necessary steps to address any issues causing you worry. Avoiding the issue only makes matters worse! You need to determine what's causing you to worry the most and then focus on solutions to ease your burden. Consider the following tips to help you do just that.
Take Corrective Measures
Take a pen and paper and make a list of the things causing you to worry the most. Then make realistic steps to help correct or amend these worrisome situations. You'll be surprised how documenting your worries and knowing that you're seeking solutions can help you to feel better. The key is to plan well. Really analyze each item on your list and try to break it down into manageable steps.
What's The Worst Case Scenario?
The thing with worry is it manifests itself and often you find yourself worrying over things that will never, or are likely to never happen. Take a more logical, realistic approach and determine the worst possible outcome of your situation and then ask yourself; how likely is this to actually happen? Doing so will help you put a fresh perspective on the most worrisome and distressful thoughts.
What Will Be, Will Be
Once you've "assumed" the worst case scenario you need to just accept that whatever will be, will be. It may sound obvious but worrying over it really resolves nothing. Once you learn to accept your situation and know that you're actively seeking solutions you can put your mind at ease knowing that the rest is beyond your control.
The Thought Stopping Technique
The thought stopping technique is a simple process of using the command STOP whenever you notice worrisome thoughts begin to surface. You basically just use the word stop repeatedly to better shut out the negative, self-destructive thoughts. The key with the thought stopping technique is consistency! You need to make it habitual so you subconsciously prevent worrisome thoughts before they surface.
Occupy Your Mind
You'll find that you worry most when you have time on your hands. If you keep yourself busy and mentally stimulated then you're greatly reducing the chances of being consumed by worry. If you do find yourself worrying with time on your hands then try reading a book, do some cleaning, call a friend, go for a stroll, work on your "solutions list", meditate, these are all great ways to keep your mind occupied and free of worry.
Focus On Being More Present
Being more present means to be more mindful, to focus on the here and now. You may have heard the saying; "yesterday's history, tomorrow's a mystery and today is the present that's why they call it a gift". Well, it's true! By focusing only on the present you're removing negative emotions such as guilt, worry, anger or resentment. You'll develop a clear conscience knowing that the choices and actions you make now are what really determine your future.
Reach Out To Others
Sometimes it can pay to share your worries with someone you know and trust. Getting things off your chest can really help ease your burden and getting a third-party perspective can help to explore new possible solutions. If you do feel that your worry is extremely excessive then it may be wise to seek the advice of your GP as too much worry can manifest and lead to anxiety.
Wrapping It Up
In this article we've discussed seven practical tips for stopping worrisome thoughts. It all starts with determining the things that are causing you the most worry and then seeking viable solutions. Keep your mind occupied and whenever you notice worrisome thoughts begin to surface deploy the thought stopping technique. Put these tips to use and you'll soon be living a worry free life.
Are your own thoughts sabotaging your chances of living a worry free life?
Learn how your consciousness can work against you and how you can overcome self-destructive thoughts in 8 simple steps.
Learn how your consciousness can work against you and how you can overcome self-destructive thoughts in 8 simple steps.