Don’t Import Worry
We all have worries. Will I have enough money? Will our kids do something dumb? What about my health? Where will I live? How will I get around? There is no end of things we can worry about. What’s the best way to tackle worry?
Dump Your Problems
Often worry strikes at night, interrupting sleep. This is a double whammy as losing sleep makes you less able to deal with anxiety. One thing that may help you sleep is to make a conscious effort before you lay your head on the pillow to lose your problem. Mentally abandon all your possessions---then you have nothing to lose---and turn over all your problems to a higher power. You can pick them up again when you wake, but as you sleep, your problems belong to Heaven.
Walk Away Worry
One simple thing that takes no thought is to get some exercise. Exercise doesn’t just keep your body in shape; it keeps your mind in shape. Exercise also helps maintain a positive, can-do attitude.
Disarm Worry with Words
In addition to taking care of your health, one technique to manage worries is to set aside time to bring them to the front of your mind. Take time to worry, but not in the back of your mind, bring your worries out front where you can really think about them. Don’t focus on “what if,” focus on what is making you worry. Name it. If you have a partner, talk to them about it. You’re probably worried about the same things and talking it over can help put things in perspective.
Worry About Today
And if you want to worry, worry about today. You can worry about tomorrow tomorrow. Each day has enough things to worry about. You don’t need to borrow worries from tomorrow.
Thank Away Worry
Another way to banish worry is to be grateful. If we live in Canada, we have much to be thankful for. Taking a stand on gratitude will guard our minds against thinking we have everything to lose. We have more than we deserve. As bad as it can get, we are still blessed.
Stay Social
Stay connected with friends and family. Invite them over for dinner or go out. Take time to chat and visit. Staying connected helps our emotional state. Take advantage of as many social invitations as you can. We are designed to be with other people.
Help Those in Need
Finally, spend time helping others. In all likelihood, there are people who need your help. Find a place to volunteer. It may be a homeless shelter, soup kitchen, animal shelter, or any kind of organization doing good work to help others. This is where a religious community can help connect you with volunteer opportunities.
Seek Wise Counsel
If you feel like your anxiety is hurting your ability to live a full life, it might be worth talking to a counselor. Check with your religious organization to see if it has access to trained counselors, or ask your doctor to recommend someone. Seeking a counselor can be good if any thoughts or feelings are keeping you from living a full life.
You Can Conquer Worry
Everyone, no matter how rich or healthy, worries. You’re not alone. Stay healthy and face your worries head-on with the support of your friends and family. Focus on being thankful and helping others. And each night, dump your problems. Finally, don’t import worry from tomorrow — live each day as it comes.
