“Worry is like a rocking chair: it gives you something to do but never gets you anywhere.” -Erma Bombeck
In an uncertain world, we all search for ways to stay grounded. But when the mind gets fixated on worry it can feel hard to find your footing.
What would happen if we stopped worrying for a day?
Nothing.
Because worry is a wasted emotion – it goes nowhere and achieves nothing. It simply depletes our energy and robs us of our peace of mind.
Most thoughts, emotions, and anxiousness caused by worry are negative, imagining worst-case scenarios that reflect our own lack of self-worth. If you've ever caught yourself worrying, you've probably thought “Why am I doing this to myself?” the answer is simple. You're human. Sometimes we will worry when there isn’t an actual problem, as though we are seeking problems - in preparation for them in reality. Silly, right?
Occasional anxiety over the future and what "could" happen is a normal part of life. But it’s when the “what ifs” are persistent that worry becomes a chronic source of anxiety. At its most extreme, worry can be paralyzing, interfering with how we show up in everyday life, and preventing us from taking action.
Instead of mentally engaging in fixing things now, trust that you will know what to do when – and if – you need to. With practice, we learn to step away from the thoughts and emotions that entertain worst-case scenarios.
So how do we stop?
Instead of mentally engaging in fixing things now, trust that you will know what to do when – and if – you need to. With practice, we learn to step away from the thoughts and emotions that entertain worst-case scenarios.
These tips to stop worrying about everything, or at least how to worry less, can help:
Meditation
By sitting quietly and focusing either on the breath or on the physical sensations of the chair beneath you or the feet on the floor, you’ll ground yourself in the present moment, allowing for a greater sense of calm. Meditation isn't about stopping thought or pushing worry away— that’s not possible. But we can train the mind to observe our thoughts and emotions without getting caught up in them over time.
We acknowledge our thoughts and emotions rather than reacting to them, and then let them go. When we take a step back and observe them in that way, we realize that our thoughts are temporary and they don’t define us.
Try this meditation for anxiety.
Learn to distinguish what is in our control and what is not — and how to accept it
Solvable worries are those you can act on right away. Make a plan and focus on what is within your reach.
Unsolvable worries that are out of our control are the hardest to accept. But life is unpredictable and much of the future is uncertain, and learning to accept, and even lean in to our fear of the unknown, can make a difference on our emotional well-being.
Try relaxation techniques
Learn about relaxation techniques here.
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Instead of worrying about what might happen a week or a month from now, focus on today instead.
Your peace of mind will thank you.