Not to have control over the senses is like sailing in a rudderless ship, bound to break to pieces on coming in contact with the very first rock. -Mahatma GandhiMany of us worry about things that are out of our control yet sometimes we are consumed with worrying so much that we can’t function properly or worse we become physically sick!
What can we do to overcome this obstacle?
Start by taking control and deciding when we will worry. *Create a “worry period.†Choose a set time and place for worrying. It should be the same every day (e.g. In the living room from 5:00 to 5:20 p.m.) and early enough that it won’t make you anxious right before bedtime. During your worry period, you’re allowed to worry about whatever’s on your mind. The rest of the day, however, is a worry-free zone.
Postpone your worry. If an anxious thought or worry comes into your head during the day, make a brief note of it on paper and postpone it to your worry period. Remind yourself that you’ll have time to think about it later, so there’s no need to worry about it right now. Save it for later and continue to go about your day.
Write down your worries during your “worry period” Go over your “worry list†during the worry period. Reflect on the worries you wrote down during the day. If the thoughts are still bothering you, allow yourself to worry about them, but only for the amount of time you’ve specified for your worry period. If the worries don’t seem important any more, cut your worry period short and enjoy the rest of your day.”
Hmm, this makes sense. Doesn’t it? No worrying for me except during my specified “worry period.”
Ok, I am going to give it a try and write down my worries on my “worry list and share with you some of my worries:
I never worried like I worry now that I have kids. I seem to be much more anxious!
Is this healthy? I have a 14 year old daughter that responds to every question with “that’s the way I roll.” Oh, oh…is she destined to get in trouble? Does anybody worry that their children will be permanently scarred by some traumatic incident? Maybe an accident or some violent action that my child witnesses.
I hear about an innocent child that was abused and it saddens me deeply…is this normal? If my child is going to a friends house, should I worry that some creep is lurking? Should I worry about my child’s future…in this world? Will my children have enough money for college? The economy….who is our next president going to be?
There you have it I shared some worries with you. Whew! Thank you for letting me rant and I will try to block out worry thoughts until my next worry period. Obviously it will take time and practice to get results. My rant is done and I have control!
Now if you never worry, ignore my rant!
Looking at this puts a twist on things——>http://www.globalrichlist.com/
*Source HelpGuide.org
64 users commented in " Worrying – Control it "
Follow-up comment rss or Leave a TrackbackThat was some fabulous advice.
The only way I can stop my obsessive worrying is by taking prescription medications!
(or drinking heavily!)
These ideas are MUCH healthier!
@meleah rebeccah, Give it a try! 🙂
Wow..this was great. I am a big worry person. I have a teenage son also 14. I worry about everything you mentioned above. It is tough world out there for them. I just try to focus on communication and keeping him busy. I also have a 8 year old but the worry is nothing compared to my oldest.
This is some great advice. I am been trying to practice this each afternoon in my “garden time.” I think it has helped calm me. Rather than pushing the worry away for another time…I just deal with it head on.
Thank you for sharing.
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@Tammy, “garden time” great idea!
My husband always says why worry, it doesn’t solve any problems. It just makes you stressed and unhappy. He says just take care of the problem and don’t worry about it. I guess if worrying solved problems, I would be the biggest worry wart. I try not to worry too much! Great post! 🙂
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@Talli, Thanks Talli!
What a great way to limit worrying. I grew up being a worrier. I like the idea of limiting worrying to a specific time. We want to worry why not give ourselves permission to do it. The idea is not to over do it.
All in moderation.
That’s the key to life. The more we have control over out emotions the easier it is to steer ourselves toward happiness.
@Karl, I think so as well…thanks!
Great idea to have a time limit to worrying. And sounds like you’ve done a great job parenting, so I wouldn’t spend too much time worrying about things you can’t control. Awful stuff makes the news but it’s really pretty rare.
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@Crabby, Thank you for your kind words. I appreciate your comments!
I just now read this post, Mark. How timely, with all the economic stuff going on right now. I’m going to tweet it on Twitter. Thanks.
Leigh Ann Hubbard
Managing Editor
James Hubbard’s My Family Doctor
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@Leigh Ann, Yes indeed! Thanks for you feedback!
Great post, Mark! I think, as parents, its our job to worry. I know that does make the lessons, here, more difficult.
When I was a kid, even as young as seven years old, I remember going everywhere.. alone.. I remember having no contact, with my mother, all day long. The idea that my child would walk to the grocery store, today, without a cell phone, seriously disturbs me. My children are much older, too. (It also worries me that any of my friends go anywhere without cell phones, too, btw.)
I’ve been trying a re-focus, with a gratitude journal. Just simply listing five, simple things that I’m feeling really good about.. every day.. its my balance approach.
@Heidi, As parents it must be part of our job description to worry. I also remember going all day as a child with no parental contact. Today I have to know where my kids are all day..yikes! What a great idea in the gratitude journal! I like it! Thanks for your input!
Yes being a parent makes me worry 100 times more than I ever did before!
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@Rachel, yes parenting does that!
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