What to Do with Worry?
Posted: March 22, 2021
It seems like it doesn’t go away—continual spinning in your mind about every possible fear that could happen, every worst-case scenario. You have probably been told to stop thinking about it, but you can’t. Your body then becomes restless and keyed-up. This combination of experiences makes it difficult to make clear choices, be present for others, and function in contentment throughout your day.
“Worry is like a rocking-chair; it gets you moving but gets you nowhere fast.”
Worry can also be compared to a cesspool, stuck thoughts and emotions that aren’t producing anything good or productive, just waste.
It is a common belief that if we worry, it will do something. Or if we don’t worry, something terrible will happen. If you have grown up worrying, you have believed it is just part of you. The truth is a worry is a waste, causing more harm than good. Worry has continued in your life because you may not have been taught how to cope with it. Worry exists as a way to self protect ourselves from the fear we are facing. To be understanding to ourselves, know that your worry is just telling you, you are afraid. That fear needs your help in knowing if this is a real danger, “alarming” fear, or a “prohibiting” fear. An alarming fear is cautioning you of possible harm or something that will hinder your personal growth. A prohibiting fear stops you from a challenge that will allow you to grow, which will benefit you.
Worry causes you to miss the enjoyment of the present by staying focused on the “should of’s” of the past and “what ifs” of the future. Worry allows fear to take over our mind, body, and day. It robes you of the lessons you need to learn from the past and present to prepare for the future. Yes, the fear you are worried about will help you when you face and work through it. Working through your worry will allow you to gain self-understanding, make clear decisive choices, connect yourself to others, and develop personal strength and faith. Coping with worry needs to be made active instead of inactive. Involved in ways that help produce understanding, clarity to the underline fear you are facing.
Steps to cope with anxiety
Get it out of your head and down on paper. This allows your worry to get off the metal loop it is stuck on. This creates you to focus instead of feeling out of control with your thoughts. So take a moment to sit down and write all your worries down that relate to that moment. You will be surprised how relieved you feel.
Challenge it with the truth. Your worry needs to be challenged with practical, realist truth. No fluff, but things we do believe.
Worry- What if I fail at getting the promotion?
Truth-- I have worked hard and have the skills to start the next steps of my career.
Give your worry a plan. Is there anything that would help you with facing your fear? If fearful about a job interview, can you prepare for it? If you are worried about all you have to do, can you make a list and priorities them?
You can feel confident in the face of your worry. Worry is just letting you know that you fear something and it needs your help in coping with it. By putting some steps in action, you can have security, clarity, and confidence. If you need further support, reach out today!