7 Top Tips on How to Stop Worrying - By: Ruth Bridgewood

Tormenting yourself over what might happen, or the consequences of something that has already happened, really defeats its purpose because the time spent worrying doesn't give you the chance to solve the problem, if there really is one. The possibilities that we are afraid of are usually a product of our imaginations. Often the likelihood of the thing we are worrying about actually happening is very remote, so why waste your time and jeopardize your health?

In fact, worry and stress can trigger the same physical and chemical changes in your body as you would expect in a genuine emergency, as it prepares for "fight or flight". It will raise your blood pressure, increase blood clotting, raise your cholesterol (increasing risk of heart attack and stroke), cause muscle tension, rashes and constipation, among other things.

If worry could solve the problem, everybody would worry as much as possible. Problem solving requires clear thinking and planning. But worry makes us incapable of clear thinking and planning. Many things, if they are going to happen, will happen regardless of our worry. If it is going to rain, it will. There are many things we have no control over, so it's rather pointless to worry about them.

We worry for small things. The worst-case scenario may not even be bad enough to worry. You have made your boss angry. You worry that he may fire you. What of it? That is not the end of the world. You are still alive. Perhaps you'll get a better job. You dread going to the office next day. You think of sending in your resignation letter. Worrying, you reach the office. The boss calls you. He apologizes. It was his mistake!

So what can we do to stop the worry habit? Here are a few ideas which may help:

- Sleep on the problem - Often your subconscious do the work and you will find the answers will come to you in the morning. Another option is to write it down, get it out of your mind, and again you might find the answer will come when you least expect it.

- This method was first espoused by Dale Carnegie in his book, "Stop Worrying and Start Living" - a) Define the problem clearly in writing b) Determine the worst possible outcome of the situation c) Resolve to accept the worst, if it occurs. Once you accept it, you will find your mind becomes more clear and rational. d) Begin doing what you can to improve on the worst. Purposeful action is the best antidote to worry.

- "A Year From Now" technique - Whatever you're currently worried about, whether it's a family or work related issue, a lost wallet or a mistake you made, imagine it's a year from now. Will you still be worried about it or even remember it? Very occasionally you might, but nine times out of ten you won't. This idea may not solve the problem in the present moment, but it will add some perspective as to whether it's worth worrying about. After all, what worries did you have a year ago? Can you remember? If not, it proves that everything works itself out eventually, so why worry now? Remember the adage by Shakespeare "This too shall pass".

- Divert yourself - Think of positive things. Get busy with some physical activity. Connect with your self, your creativity, and the place where everything really is okay. Sing, paint, engage in craft or a hobby.
- Talking to someone about the issue, such as a trusted friend or counsellor, can help to put it into perspective (just don't keep dwelling on it!)
- Practice presence. Stop your thoughts for a moment. Listen to the sounds around you, pay attention, and be present to this key moment. There is no future or past, just Now. No worrying thoughts -- no thoughts at all. Strengthen your connection to something greater than your worries.
- Keep yourself away from people who are habitually worrying type and who always see the negative side of things.

Instead of useless worrying, one should take positive action-BE HAPPY!

For more life improvement tips, visit http://www.inspirit-persgrowth.com.

About the Author

Ruth Bridgewood is a qualified Life Coach, Counsellor and Hypnotherapist specialising in on-line self help courses, tools and resources. Visit http://www.inspirit-persgrowth.com or http://www.inspiritebooks.com for more articles and free gifts.

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