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Eight Steps To Deal With Worry & Anxiety

Worry & Anxiety

Worry. It is perhaps the greatest mark of our age that so many people experience not just frequent worries but constant and debilitating anxiety. It is no secret that the stats on people seeking professional help of some kind is off the charts. And all of this in a time when actually crime is down, the economy is doing fairly well and even wages are starting to rise.

worry anxiety
Cures for diseases are readily available to billions around the world, nearly any information and entertainment is available with the push of a button. Yet, life happens and we are crippled by our own fears. How do we stop this?

“Our fatigue is often caused not by work, but by worry, frustration and resentment”

Dale CarnegieWriter & Lecturer

1. Let Someone Know

First, don’t hold it in. Similarly, don’t become isolated. Worry and anxiety will affect your existing relationships. As a result, they can cause you to fall into depression. All three are an emotional downward spiral. For that reason, get it out. Let someone know.

2. Get A Fresh/New Perspective

Second, keep some & get some perspective. When it feels like the world is crashing down, keep all of the above in mind and realize that in many ways, we have much less to worry about than ever before. When we worry or have anxiety, our feelings are not our always our reality. Consequently, it is important to get it out and stay connected. Get a fresh set of eyes from the outside in.

3. Have Some “You” Time

Third, unplug. Put the phone, tablet, laptop and other electronic devices down.   Have some “you” time.  Quiet the noise of the World and reflect on the things that are important…not those that necessarily are urgent. The things of the World are very noisy and appear to be urgent, but they often replace those things that are truly important. (Suggested Read: Tyranny of the Urgent)

4. Acknowledge What You Can’t Control

Fourth, realize that most of it is out of your control anyway. True, that’s what you’re worried about in the first place. You can’t control when the company decides to downsize or a drunk driver runs a light, so you worry. Here’s the thing though – your worry doesn’t really change anything. Sure, a little concern is good. For that reason, keep an eye for a better job and check the cross street before taking off but beyond that there is little you can do. Acknowledge it and be okay with it.

5. Do What You Can

Fifth, do what you can. When it comes to the things that most people worry about, jobs, paying the bills, whether not you should try that new project idea or ask out that girl at the office party last week; just do what you can. Work hard, be smart, and don’t be afraid to try something new. Because the one thing I can tell that is worse than worry is regret. Regret is just worrying about “what if”.

“Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but only empties today of its strength.”

Charles SpurgeonEnglish Baptist Preacher

6. Realize You Are Not Alone

Sixth, realize that you are not alone. It probably seems like you have more worries, more concerns, and more things that can or are going wrong than anyone else around you. Remember: when we are worried our perception is not always our reality. One thing that I have learned is that many people who put on the best face are also going through the worst times. They are simply wearing a mask. The point being, that while others don’t know what you are going through, you also don’t what they are experiencing. Additionally, everyone has things that concern them. The way they process it is the difference.

7. Get Connected & Stay Connected

Seventh, get connected and stay connected.  Find 2 or three people that you know, like and trust to “do life” together.  Notably, places to get connected can be small groups from church, groups that share a hobby, men’s groups, women’s groups, you name it.  Just know, others out there need you too. Hence, YOU HAVE VALUE.

8. Be Thankful & Grateful

Eighth, put on a heart of thankfulness & gratitude. This little gem will rock your worried heart. I say “put on” a heart of thankfulness because you are not going to want to. This will be your biggest challenge. For this reason, it must be a conscience choice…something you do. In spite of your internal concerns, find every little thing that you have to be thankful for and give thanks. Similarly, gratitude is an outward expression to others of your thankfulness. Practice this regularly and you will see the rays of sun start to peek through the rain clouds.So get out there, do what you can but realize you can’t do everything. It’s okay, and you are definitely not alone.  Above all GET CONNECTED.  ISOLATION IS NOT YOUR FRIEND.

“Thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude. Gratitude is the completion of thankfulness. Thankfulness may consist merely of words. Gratitude is shown in acts.”

Henri Frederic AmielSwiss Philosopher

Your Thoughts & Successes?

Thank you very much for reading this post. We realize the their will be more ways than what we have listed to overcome worry and anxiety. I look forward to hearing some of your success stories.

  • How have you overcome worry and anxiety in the past?
  • What keeps you from worrying or being anxious now?
  • Encouraging words to others?

Note before you post:  mean rude or harsh replies will be deleted.  We are here to build one another up to love and good works and encourage each other daily.  Thanks!

We Can Help

Suffering from “worry” or “Anxiety”, get a hold of someone that can help (family, friend, co-worker, pastor, or coach).  Coaching is EXCELLENT at helping people navigate through worry & or anxiety. Get a hold of us on our Contact page.

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