Don't Sweat It!

Oh, how I wish you'd see my face when I am worried! My mother always teases me saying 'You look so hurt'. We laugh it off but I know it's very true... my face is an accurate reflection of how I'm feeling. I worry- it's something that I do as an overthinker and perfectionist but over time I have seen the negative effects it's had on my wellbeing hence my effort to change. If you're looking to know my secrets... keep reading...

There are many reasons why one might be worried, so let me give you an example, you remember being worried sick about your grades to your exams right? I've been there wondering and thinking about what my results would be (average? exceptional? bad? etc) and how things would play out.

Don't get me wrong, worrying to some extent isn't bad in fact I've been told (by doctors) it shows that you care. When our worries begin to weigh us down, consume our thoughts, and spirals into other things that's when it is a problem we must fix.

WHY DO WE WORRY?

I believe the feeling of worry comes about for the following reasons: we focus on the wrong things at the wrong time, we dwell on matters that we wish/hope would be better than anticipated/expected or our attitude to something is becoming negative. From experience, I know that worrying drains our energy and I'd rather feel good, upbeat hence why I'm learning not to get worked over small things (can you think of examples?).

REASON WHY WE SHOUDLN'T WORRY:

Worrying causes stress, anxiety, head tension, you name it. Can you see how a single emotion can affect our mental and physical health? When you begin to understand the effects that worrying can have on your wellness you will not tolerate feeling uneasy, nervous or apprehensive to your own detriment. For me, worrying meant that I got extremely anxious (my heart felt heavy, my mind raced uncontrollably etc) to the point I was almost fearful to do what I set out to do. My point is worrying doesn't do us any good.

Whenever you're in doubt or conflicted on what to concern yourself with always ask yourself 'Is it something I should sweat? Should I really spend my time thinking about it?'. These are simple yes or no question which can help us re-evaluate how we feel about a thing, person, place etc.

Another reason we should not be anxious is that some things are simply out of our control. This means that our efforts to shape, influence, change issues doesn't have an effect. Worrying prevents us from accepting this and letting go which in turn inhibits focus. So you ask yourself once again' would my energy be wasted dwelling on this matter?'. Be assured out of your control doesn't mean the outcome will be bad... it might be for the best.

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU'RE WORRIED:

Praying has helped me cope in difficult times; I stand on the word ' be anxious for nothing' found in Philippians 4: 6-7. Whatever you believe in -just do it.

Practice Meditation. I'm new to whole meditating habit (10mins per day for a start) Whenever I have taken time to just breathe and clear my mind it has made me feel on top of the world- Back in Control. I recommend consistency to see any positive results.

The good news is that you can practice guided or unguided meditation with many resources and techniques to help you be mindful and peaceful. If meditating doesn't sound like your cup of tea, then Find and do something that you enjoy e.g Music, exercise, art, write, dance etc.

These will naturally take your mind off issues and channels your energy for the upcoming events.

'You need to calm down'(did you see what I did there? hehe), worry less and live your life without fear. I am confident that you and I will definitely become cool, calm and collected people.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and let me know in the comments how you get on in everyday life.