Breaking The Worry Habit

Challenging Your Fears:

Worry Doesn't Change Anything:

WHETHER WE WANT TO admit it or not, most worriers are control freaks. You don't necessarily try to control other people, but instead, want to control situations and outcomes.

I've learned over time that a sense of powerlessness is so often at the heart of almost every worrisome thought. Very often the solution is simple: let it go or do something about it. But, let me share another simple tool to help you stop those anxious thoughts when they've gotten hold of you.

1. Tell yourself that you genuinely want a break from all this worrying.

2. Remind yourself that worrying is actually a choice, a habit you've gotten used to.

3. Let yourself know that by releasing worries that don't matter, you can save your energy for worrying about what's/who's truly important.

4. Tell yourself that the future hasn't happened so it's not real. The past is a memory and it's over. All your worrying can't change either of these. (Our worry typically focuses on what we wish didn't happen or what we hope won't happen.)

5. Remember that worries are just thoughts and most thoughts aren't real. Instead, they're typically hopes or fears.

- You're a very responsible person.

- You don't like surprises or unexpected events.

- You want to be aware of everything at all times. Again, no surprises.

- You don't want to overlook any detail that might catch you off guard and create problems.

- You believe that by constantly worrying you'll find a solution.

- You believe that worrying protects you.

- Perfectionist

- Introvert

- Easily frustrated or irritated

- Great empathy for others

- Self-critical

- Sensitive to rejection and criticism.

- Usually avoids confrontations

- Troubled childhood (abused, neglected, ridiculed, etc.)

- Having at least one parent with anxiety