10 From GEM: Easy Tips and Tricks To Let Go Of Worry

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10 From GEM: Easy Tips and Tricks To Let Go Of Worry

By AlexisWalker / February 2, 2013 / No Comments

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10 From GEM:
Easy Tips and Tricks To Let Go Of Worry

Hola, GEMs! How did the week go for you? Did you leave a few things undone or did you have a run-in or two that got you worried about what you should do next? Worry is an insidious thing; it keeps us from experiencing joy and robs us of the opportunity to enjoy the fortune in our lives. It handicaps us and diminishes our capacity to work at our full potential. Worry is never productive. There’s a saying: If there’s something you can do about it, why worry? If there’s nothing you can do about it, why worry? But how can we stop worrying, or, at least, worry a little less? Keep reading for our 10 best tips and tricks.

1. FORGIVE YOURSELF FOR WORRYING

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Everyone worries about something at one point or another. We simply wouldn’t be human if absolutely nothing ever bothered us. Don’t beat yourself up about worrying—it’s just something else to worry about. Instead, relax and go easy on yourself. Solutions and answers are more forthcoming when you are relaxed.

2. MEDITATE

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Part of meditation is focusing on the same thoughts over and over again. If you’re a worrier, the good news is that you already know how to meditate. During meditation, you focus on whatever you choose to focus on and become skilled at redirecting your attention when your thoughts have drifted. Meditation will help you slow down and tap into your inner wisdom.

3. WORRY LATER

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This may sound counterintuitive, but the idea is to condition your mind not to worry right now. Whenever you start to worry about something, write your concerns down on paper. Plan to revisit it later and then forget about it. You haven’t given up on worrying—worry is what your brain wants to do—you’ve just decided to worry at a more convenient time. Do this a few times and you may find that whatever you’re worried about isn’t as worrisome as you thought.

4. LEAVE THE PAST IN THE PAST

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The past is old news. Whatever it was, it happened. While our pasts inform who we are today, they don’t define who we are. There’s nothing that can be done to change the past, no matter how many times we replay it in our minds. There are plenty of things in our lives that could have unfolded differently. What’s the point of worrying about coulda, woulda, shoulda?

5. DON’T TRY TO SAVE THE WORLD

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It can’t be done. I’ve tried it more times than I care to admit. I’ve finally realized that I can’t stop bad things from happening and I can’t control my loved ones. Trying to save the world only sets a standard that’s impossible to meet. When we inevitably don’t meet the standard, there’s nothing but pain and disappointment. Let the world sort itself out.

6. BREATHE DEEPLY

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Deep breathing releases endorphins, also known as feel-good hormones, which is exactly what you want instead of a bout of worrying. Besides that, concentrating on breathing gives you something else to think about. It allows you to ease your stress and worries. Here’s a bonus reason to take deep breaths: it strengthens the immune system.

7. PREPARE AND HOPE

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Take it from Dale Carnegie, one of the most popular gurus of self-improvement. In his bestselling book, How to Stop Worrying and Start Living, he wrote that one should prepare for the worst and hope for the best. So instead of worrying that the house will burn down, buy good home insurance and hope that you never have to use it.

8. MAKE A DECISION

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This is actually empowering. Instead of brooding over your concerns, you can decide the best action to take considering the circumstances and do it. Then you can put a plan in place to minimize any problems.

9. PLAY THE “THEN WHAT” GAME

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Instead of agonizing over your fears, imagine what would happen if whatever you’re worried about actually happened. Ask yourself “then what?” Keep asking that question until you get to the end of the line. You’ll probably find that your fear is bigger in your head than in actuality.