As Montaigne said, "he who fears he will suffer, already suffers because of his fears." We pay a huge cost for worrying, physically, mentally and emotionally; yet research shows that it affects most of us in some way. So what is it? From its original meaning of 'to strangle', worry has evolved over the centuries to our modern definition 'mental distress or agitation, resulting from concern, usually from something impending or anticipated'. It is constantly dwelling on and evaluating possible consequences and outcomes of past or future bad events.
Is it a good thing to do? The rule of thumb should be that if worrying isn't getting us anywhere, we are worrying too much. There are many negative effects worrying can have on us. If we worry all the time, our life is doubt. Worry destroys our peace of mind as unpleasant thoughts and images constantly intrude, affecting our ability to concentrate and think clearly. It leads to uncertainty and indecision, leaving us feeling paralysed and unable to act. Worried thoughts create tension in the body. They affect our ability to sleep. Physical problems associated with worry include headaches, digestive troubles, high blood pressure, sickness and asthma. Extreme worry can lead to panic attacks. It diminishes the effectiveness of our immune system, and makes us look older too!
So why do we do it? Our minds are extraordinary instruments, able to take advantage of everything we have learned through experience as well as imagine what may potentially happen in the future to help us figure out what to do. Worry has been described as imagination gone awry. Because worry is a type of mental stimulation, it can become a habit and addiction. Once we understand that worry is a habitual response, we can change it.
The first step to breaking the worry pattern, therefore, is awareness. Noticing the effect worry has on our bodies helps us recognise the triggers and identify our fears. It is then possible to actively challenge those worrying thoughts and change our mindset. However much we may wish to, we will never be able to control everything. So ask yourself whether you can do anything about whatever it is causing you worry. If you can, then do it; if you can't then accept that worrying isn't going to help in any way. Taking any sort of positive action is a better use of our energy, and just physically doing something can distract us from our worry. Taking even a small step towards solving a problem can make us realise it isn't so big after all and help break that cycle of indecision, so helping us feel more in control.
Keep worry in perspective and give yourself permission to have fun. Laughter increases our immune cells and releases the endorphins in our brain, so let's use our imaginations in a more positively creative way. There is no certainty in life as we cannot predict the future. Therefore worry will always be with us. But wasting time and energy on worry means we are only living half a life. Therefore let's CHOOSE to worry less and live more.
? Frances Hall
After many years working in film and music, Frances changed career direction completely to find what for her is a more fulfilling way to live. Now an accredited life coach, massage therapist and writer, she is doing what she'd rather be doing - helping people get the most out of their lives. Her intention is to "Liberate Inspire Focus Empower". Check out http://www.lifematters.gb.com
Alto Pass chicago limos ..Have you ever noticed how we keep falling into the... Read More
This is a tool to measure the amount of stress... Read More
We so often take the feelings of happiness and saddness... Read More
"Learn how to turn frustration into fascination. You will learn... Read More
ResentmentsA wise friend once said that holding onto resentments is... Read More
Where does stress really come from? Is there any simple... Read More
Among the hardest parts of living in the modern world... Read More
A friend has this quotation on his office wall: "I... Read More
Stress, America's #1 health problem, is a leading cause of... Read More
When we think about stress in the workplace, we usually... Read More
I have yet to see a scientist talk about the... Read More
Life can offer us many challenges having to do with... Read More
So, you've recognised that you are suffering from stress and... Read More
Managing stress is not easy if you don't have the... Read More
Shit happens. I know this to be a fact, because... Read More
For those who are suffering from stress, just about the... Read More
Let's face it! The majority of our time is either... Read More
Is your stress level higher than it should be? Are... Read More
The predominant role human conditioning plays in a stressful environment.... Read More
June is the month of the honey moon. Custom holds... Read More
Living in our world today can be very stressful. While... Read More
Looking for mindfulness? Who ya gonna call?Try dialing M.It's easy... Read More
Why is it that some people become totally stressed when... Read More
1. Acknowledge that requesting support, guidance and partnership is not... Read More
Do you get out of your car with a queasy... Read More
Alto Pass cool limo ..These days, when people have become so conscious about what... Read More
STRESS & TIME MANAGEMENT: Stress is either the source or... Read More
Did you know that taking a short trip, such as... Read More
When I pay attention, I clearly see the arresting ways... Read More
Why is it that some people become totally stressed when... Read More
Most people know of the importance of exercise as a... Read More
It is very true that, unfortunately, many people look to... Read More
As we celebrate yet another Labor Day, I thought it... Read More
Q: What is Stress?A: Very basically it is the physical,... Read More
Stress management is a hot topic; stress-related illness and suffering... Read More
Did you ever feel like your "get-up-and-go" got up and... Read More
Stress is normal. Stress is OK. Stress is the same... Read More
Most humans experience unexpected setbacks which can cause huge stress... Read More
Seventy-five percent of all our problems ? both emotional and... Read More
At what age does the benefit of play cease? Child... Read More
Use these simple tips to minimize stress in your day... Read More
In order to free ourselves from the pain of anger... Read More
It's no secret that we women, by virtue of our... Read More
In these times when companies are constantly down-sizing and right-sizing... Read More
I once worked with a woman whose zest,joy and enthusiasm... Read More
I have yet to see a scientist talk about the... Read More
IntroductionTime magazine called stress the "The Epidemic of the Eighties".... Read More
We all know what it's like coming home from a... Read More
Rest.It's a good thing to do. As the story goes,... Read More
We are not designed for long term stress.It causes us... Read More
Stress Management |