Worry. It’s something we all do, but for some individuals, it’s a constant battle to control. From being up all night with racing thoughts to having difficulty concentrating on tasks at hand, concerns can go from perpetual annoyances to an endless list of “what ifs.”
Try these Ideas to Calm Your Concerns:
- Catch your concerns
When worries start popping up, you have the option at that moment to either let them become a constant spiral of negative thoughts or to ask yourself, “Is this something I can control?”As Christians, we know that giving God our concerns by writing them down in a journal or simply asking Him to take care of them is an instruction found in 1 Peter 5:7 where we read: “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” Many of our worries in life are things we think we have to fix, but ultimately, all matters lie in God’s hands.
- Write a to-do list
If your mind won’t stop thinking of what has to be done, sometimes just getting that list on paper can help organize your thoughts. It can differentiate what needs to be done currently, and what is a secondary task that can be done at another time.
- Vent to a trusted friend
Go on a walk together or call a friend and ask for their input. Their feedback may bring some clarity to your difficult situation. Oftentimes, we are so wrapped up in the swirling thoughts in our heads that it’s easy to lose perspective and get off track. Good friends help bring us back to the reality of our situations.
- Seek outside help
If worries become unbearable, seek a professional counselor for help. Counselors can provide some coping skills and strategies that may help you manage your anxious thoughts. Also, simply talking with a mental health professional can help by bringing an objective point of view to your concerns.
- Self-care
Worries can take a toll on your health, and most people usually put themselves last when it comes to priorities. Take time to de-stress by going on a walk, reading a good book, or doing an activity you enjoy like exercise or art. You can’t always control the situations of life, but you can control how you take care of yourself regardless of the concerns. Remember that self-care isn’t selfish, but rather a necessity when managing the stresses of life. Your overall health will thank you!