99% of things you worry about never happen. I just pulled this “statistic” off the internet. It may not be scientifically verifiable or whatever but it rings pretty true for me. I am, by nature, a worrier. And most of the things I worry about never happen. So I actually waste time and productivity by even worrying about them in the first place. I need to stop worrying. You need to stop worrying. In this post (of my series A Year of Positivity ) we’re gonna have a little chat about “How to Stop Worrying.”
I think this is important. Worrying robs us of our time and of our positivity. Worrying doesn’t add anything good to our day.
You might be thinking HEY HEY HEY, I got good things to worry about!
I’m right there with you sister. I have tons of things going on in my life right that I could be worrying about.
In all honesty, just last week I was filled with worry and anxiety until it made me physically ill. I came home with an aching back, a stiff neck and chest pain. All because I let the worries of my day cloud my mind.
I ruined my evening and went to bed with a heavy heart.
Worrying makes me an anxious person and I don’t like being anxious. I also don’t like having chest pain–I’m only 30!
HOW TO STOP WORRYING
- Let go of things you can’t control. Make a list of everything you’re worrying about right now. Write down everything that’s weighing you down. Now, using a different pen color than the one you just wrote with, draw a line (or cross out) anything on your list that is outside your control.
- Here’s what I wrote today: will my van break down AGAIN? Money. The house. My health. The clutter.
- Here is the list after I crossed out a few things:
Will my van break down AGAIN?Money.The house.My health. The clutter. There is really no reason for me to worry about the van breaking down, I can’t predict when it will. I need to let it go. We’re in the process of building a home and it’s stressful, but continuing to worry about it all won’t change anything. There are 3 things on my list I can control: money, my health, and the clutter in my home.
- Once you’ve identified the things you CAN control, list 3 ways you can fix the issue so you can stop worrying! And don’t just make the list and walk away, that worry will creep back in if you don’t make lasting changes.
- For me, I know that the clutter in my home impacts my mood. Three things I can do to fix that are: Pick one area to declutter per weekend. Or I can spend one entire weekend purging the house. And to keep the clutter from coming back I need to organize and have all of us keep up with our family chores.
- Identify what kind of state of mind you are usually in. Are you spending time with negative people? What are you allowing yourself to be exposed to?
- What kind of news are you watching? What kind of music are you listening to?
- Put some self care time in your day to listen to positive music, watch an encouraging Ted Talk. Do anything that puts you in a better mood.
Worrying is so draining. Mentally and physically. My sincere hope for myself (and for you) is that we can use these techniques to seriously cut down the amount of worry in our lives.
What’s the point in obsessing with something that we have absolutely no control over?
What’s the point in letting the worry seep into my mood? Letting my mood be tainted and my friends and family suffer all because I can’t shake it off?
There is no point. I see that now.
And after so many years of being that worry-wort, I’m ready to let it go.
How about you?
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Each week I'll send you the latest Resource Page. In it, you'll find
- Handy tips for focusing on positivity throughout your week.
- Tricks for getting your kids to listen to your every word (just kidding,Girl-- I'm still working on getting my kids to listen!) But I will send you fun activity ideas for you and your kids to do together.
- Useful tools that I come across, like meal planning ideas and such!
Thank you for sharing and for your encouraging words! Glory to God for His goodness and His love! I’m so delighted and humbled that God would use me just as He is using you to encourage others! I pray total freedom from anxiety and pray the chest pain is completely gone as well, and I pray abundant, overwhelming blessings in Christ!
Michele recently posted…Perfect, Extreme, Unconditional Love
Michele thank you very much! You are a blessing!
Great post and a reminder that God does expect us to lean on him through times of worry or concern. In fact he has requested that we don’t worry about tomorrow because he is our provider.
Crystal Green recently posted…Simple Sweet Pineapple Whole Chicken Recipe
I don’t like to feel worried, either. It is a huge energy drain and just doesn’t feel good. Thank you for sharing your inspiring post at the #HomeMattersParty
Nicole B recently posted…One Pot Dinners Chili Mac and Cheese
Great tips!! Being a Mom, I’m not sure I can ever stop worrying, but I usually just give it up to God and let Him sort it out! 🙂 #HomeMattersParty
Jamie recently posted…Things That Bring Back Memories: Cameo – Word Up! #MondayMemories
You’re right! Worrying spoils everything! Sometimes, I will let it go and try to be happy. #HomeMattersParty
Sahana recently posted…Home Matters Link Party #101
This is so wonderful! I sent it to my daughter to read who suffers from severe anxiety. She is a college student with a double major and worries way too much for a 20 year old! I am hoping this helps. Thanks for co-hosting #HomeMattersParty
Michelle James recently posted…Home Matters Linky Party #101
Worrying is such a waste of time, and neither helps nor accomplishes anything. These are great tips for keeping the worries at bay. Thanks for sharing and co-hosting at the #HomeMattersParty 🙂
~Lorelai
Life With Lorelai
Lorelai @ Life With Lorelai recently posted…5 Most Valuable Home Improvement Investments