Reduce Worry, Anxiety, and Stress in One Simple Step
Do you ever feel worried or anxious about the things that are going on in your life? Do you sometimes think about these things over and over again, not coming up with a solution–just more worry?
Worrying can become a habit that feeds your stress level. Habits are formed when you do something so often that you start doing it without realizing that you’ve even started. It repeats involuntarily.
If your anxiety ever leads to feelings of fear or hopelessness that these things will ever change, then worrying has probably become a habit that would be best for you to break, and the sooner the better.
“A day of worry is more exhausting than a day of work.”
~John Lubbock
But What if it’s Not Even True?
One of the primary causes of worry is thinking you’re trapped or stuck–without any option you enjoy. Feeling stuck starts when you dwell on the things you’re worried about instead of taking action. Without taking action, you’re not giving yourself the option of doing anything but worry, and unrelieved anxiety can be the cause of intense stress.
The first action you can take to free yourself from anxiousness and worry is to ask yourself a simple question–one that can alter your perception of any situation.
“Is there anything I believe about this situation that may not be true?”
Often we’re worried about things based on what we think is true in a situation without ever verifying that our assumptions are accurate.
Question Your Assumptions
So, any time you notice you’re feeling worried or anxious, ask yourself this question: “Is there anything I believe about this situation that may not even be true?”
If nothing occurs to you, then write out a statement of what you’re worried about. And then make list of whatever you believe is true that causes this worry. You can then ask this question about each thing on this list.
Our experience is that we can always find at least one assumption we’ve made that we don’t know for certain is true.
Learn to Relax
Do this each time you find yourself rehashing an old worry and you’ll start seeing a shift in your perspective. Do it often enough and you’ll spend a lot less time worrying and experience less stress, freeing up your time and energy for more pleasurable activities.
Remember, the shortest path to a happy life is found through conscious choice.
Until next time…
Beth and Neill
To discover more strategies for reducing your levels of worry and anxiety, read our article:
How to Stop Worrying About Things You Don’t Want and Happily Pursue Those You Do!