How to Free Your Mind of Worry

Submitted by natasha on Mon, 10/17/2011 - 13:42

Worrying is the most common type of suffering and most of it is needless. Even though we can tell ourselves not to worry, our imagination still takes off - imagining worst case scenarios, ruminating over past, analyzing for answers when there are none. We’ve all been there and I’m here to help put a different spin on worry. What if we could use the energy we put into worrying to help us create solutions and move us into action without the bad side effects of stress and anxiety?

Putting Things into Perspective and Worrying Well

Did you know that 85% of the things we worry about never happen? The first step is to figure out what you can do to solve the situation and take action. Next, notice if your thoughts are rational? Is your thinking based on fact or has your imagination gotten the best of you? The same imagination that got you to your worry state, can also free you. By observing what is rational vs. irrational thought, you can change your thoughts and learn to manage your worry. If there isn’t anything you can do about the situation, the best thing to do is put positive energy into the situation by not worry about it.

Short Term Remedies

Relaxation techniques, positive affirmations, and guided imagery can help stop the worry by interrupt the constant stream of negative thoughts.

Long Term Solutions
If you’re still feeling stuck in worry, here is a 2 step process: 1) Accept and acknowledge it, then 2) Eliminate it. This will get rid of the thoughts that are making you feel stuck.

Step 1: Accept it
1. Ask ourselves, what's underneath my worry (i.e. why am I really worried and what am I really feeling)? See what is making you feel stuck.
2. Accept and feel these underlying emotions without judgement- get support from others in this process if we need it.

Step 2: Eliminate it
3. Once we have accepted these emotions, choose to let them go and what you want to create.
4. Feel good about the courage it takes to be honest and to deal with the challenging situations or emotions we're experiencing.
5. Focus on positive outcomes and believe that everything will work out.
 

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