Thu, June 25, 2009 - 9:15:11

Putting Worry to Work

In light of recent current events, you’ve probably experienced an increase in one emotion more than any other: worry.  Worry over your finances, worry over the crises in Iran and North Korea, worry about your kids, and worry about your future.  All this worry might even have you concerned that there is something wrong with you, but breathe easy, because according to a recent article on The Huffington Post, we’re actually hard-wired to worry. 

Chronic anxiety can be a serious problem for which sufferers should seek professional help, but for the average worry wart, there are a number of ways in which you can actually put your worry to work. 

How?  By thinking small, of course! By channeling your anxious energy and refocusing it to “sweat the small stuff” in controllable areas of your life, you’ll not only become more productive, we bet you’ll grow more relaxed as well.

So, next time you feel a hint of worry creeping up on you, close your eyes and think about exactly what is causing your anxiety.  Is it a problem you can solve on your own, such as trouble with your finances, or one that is beyond your control, such as a global political dispute? Once you pinpoint what’s really bothering you, you can begin to take action.

If the root of your worries is beyond your control, it’s time to refocus your energy toward solving a problem in your life that you can fix. But, instead of taking it on all at once, try breaking it down into easily accomplished mini-tasks.  For example, if your goal is to clean your house, make a checklist of each action you’ll need to take, crossing them off as you go.  Seeing your list grow shorter and shorter will empower you with the motivation you need to keep going.

Make sure to practice our SMALL approach regularly and before you know it, shrinking your problems down to humble proportions will become automatic.  So, don’t fret!  By thinking small and refocusing your attention to the tiny, accomplishable goals in your life, you too can tame the “worry beast” once and for all.

Posted by Linda and Robin