Last Updated on May 8, 2020 by Shane Corbitt
It’s so easy to fall into a habit of worrying about things. After all, we’re taught to worry from the time we’re small. We worry about being late for the school bus, we worry about having our lunch money. We even worry about whether we’re going to be picked for the sports team at recess.
How do we get out of this worry habit, especially when it starts holding you back from really living? Try these simple habits to get yourself on track toward a worry-free life:
Become Used to Being Prepared
Most of the worry stems from feeling like you’re not ready for a situation. The quickest way to derail this is to make sure you’re prepared for what comes next. Get in the habit of thinking through what you’re going to need for the day, setting out those items, so they’re near at hand.
Let Things Go
Worry can become obsessive quickly. To escape from worrying about the same things over and over, get in the habit of allowing yourself to worry about something once, then let consciously it go.
Make a List
If you’re worried, you’re forgetting something, the checklist quickly can become your best friend. Get in the habit of making lists for everything. Create a shopping list before you go to the store. List the steps of the project you’re working on at work. This carries with it the added bonus of feeling great every time you cross something off the list.
Be Happy
Worry hates cheerful thoughts. Get in the habit of looking on the bright side. Every time you worry about something, ask yourself what positive statement you can make about that same thing.
Declutter
Worry grows in messy spaces. It’s hard to feel good when you’re surrounded by stuff. Get in the habit of picking up after yourself. Make a point of periodically going through your things and doing a quick house cleaning. You especially want to get rid of those items which bring up worrying thoughts.
Take Time to Meditate
Just spending a few minutes in quiet mindfulness will do wonders for reducing worry. Build a new habit by setting a specific time to meditate, even if it’s only for a few minutes every day.
Remember, building habits takes time. You’re going to have to repeat these actions daily until they become more or less ingrained in your life. Be patient with yourself as you move forward. The great part is that once you get used to the new status quo, you’ll enjoy your life more, and accomplish more than you ever dreamed.
I am a HUGE list person. I have To Do lists rolling all the time and it’s for exactly the reason you stated. When I don’t, I’m always worried that I’m going to forget something. However, when I have the list then that worry goes away. I know that as long as I am consulting it, I’ll be fine.
I worry too much. I found journaling helps. Like you said, making a list and write it down. A note book doesn’t leave my side. And I would not have survived my cancer diagnosis without meditation. One technique I was taught was to picture myself putting my worrisome thought into a little leaf or tiny raft and watching it float down a slow moving stream off into the distance. This was a fantastic way of letting some of my nagging thoughts go.
Really great post thanks for sharing
These tips will prove helpful especially given our current situation. Thanks for sharing!
These are great tips. I love making lists. I find them so helpful. Thanks for sharing these.