Do you have any techniques for dealing with worry?

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   Relationshipcposted 11 years ago

   Do you have any techniques for dealing with worry?
   
   Do you worry a lot? Do you have techniques that you use to deal with times that you can't help but worry?
   
   As a side note: While making this question I wrote 'worry' at least twenty times and now it is starting to sound like a foreign word...hate it when that happens.

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   Renee Abbottposted 11 years ago

   Why not make yourself a worry can. Coffee can does well for this, and decorate it as you wish. You can write your worry down and drop it in the can, knowing that you are releasing it and giving it over to the Universe.
   
   I practice a form of Hawaiian Huna, and I visualize myself going up a volcano and putting my worries of the day in a cobalt blue basket and throw it in. It is me releasing and letting go and letting the Universe take it.
   
   Finally, if you let go and Let the Universe take over, remember this, stay out of its kitchen. You do not give your order to a waiter and than go into the kitchen and prepare it. let go, practice patience, by staying in the moment, and let things happen as they will.

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      Billie Kelpinposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I love these analogies, Renee, and it reminded me of the Guatamalen Worry Dolls, same concept. Funny aside:  I bought a barrette with those worry dolls and because I'm left-handed, they stood on their heads when I had them in my hair!

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      Relationshipcposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Awesome! Love the can, visualization, and thought-provoking note...thanks for taking the time to answer.

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      Maggie Bennettposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Great answer Renee.  I really like the idea of a worry can and I might try that.

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   Rose Anne Kareshposted 11 years ago

   I think a combination of tools can be useful. Writing down what you are worrying about and then a specific action plan can help - for example you might write "not going to make mortgage" and then write "borrow money from family, cut back on groceries this month, ask bank for refinancing plan" as action plans. I find that it is calming to get it down on paper and then start to think of what I would actually do.
   
   My other big technique is prayer and relaxation. After I've done what I can I try to release the and trigger my relaxation response through deep breathing and muscle relaxation. When it pops back into my head (it always does) I remind myself I've done what I can and it's time to let go. It helps, although it requires persistence.

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      Relationshipcposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I like the action plan...it balances out the worry - or I guess even cancel it out because you find a way to solve the worry. Great suggestion. I am really into prayer myself - I find it is a great way to let go.

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   Billie Kelpinposted 11 years ago

   Many, many years ago, someone once told me, "I never worry about things over which I have no control."  That freed me at that point of my life and has helped me through the years.  Of course, deciding what you have control over is the key here, and that's where the ever-meaningful timeless old Serenity Prayer by Reinhold Niebuhr comes in: "God give me the strength to accept the things I can't change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."  If you're atheist or agnostic you can just modify the quote with "May I have the strength..."

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      Renee Abbottposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      One thing about worrying is when I am then I have to admit I am doing that thing call 'control'. LOL. I let go than. I do not need to control things around me, just my own actions and reactions.

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      Relationshipcposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Ironically, I had to do this today before I read your answer. My husband missed his flight, and I had to let go of the worry because I really had no control over the situation. I love the serenity prayer - something I should be saying more.

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   connorjposted 11 years ago

   
   
   You may not like this and i do apologize for that; however, this works most significantly for me and i believe it will work for you and for that matter anyone, You must pray to God to help you; yet for me I must be in what I call deep-prayer. For me that involves the Litugy of the Hours in a quiet space void of others. as I read the liturgy I am thinking/contemplating about my issue. By the end of my prayers I am at peace and I feel a solution will happen. I repeat i am at peace and I already am convinced that there is a solution. Within a week there is what I some call a coincidence that occurs and that is usually the answer/response from God. He does always provide; although usually it is not what you expect. His responses are always brilliant though...

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      Relationshipcposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I'm not sure why you would say I wouldn't like it. Have confidence in your beliefs! I believe both in prayer andi n councidence, and this is a great technique!

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   liesl5858posted 11 years ago

   I use to worry a lot about anything but as I got older I have taken the" Never Mind" attitude. Because in my head any problem has a solution. Only we have to find it.  My technique is to analyse what I am worrying about and see if I can sort it out or not by myself. But if I can't then I should ask for help. If I can sort it out then I will find a solution instead of burying my head in the sand and worrying.

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      Relationshipcposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      That is really a neat thought, everything has a solution and we need to find it...

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   IDONOposted 11 years ago

   From what I've been told, only 5% of the things we worry about, actually happen. With that in mind, I try to decide if an issue is in my control or not. If it's not, I accept that whatever happens,happens. I will deal with that then. If it is something I can control, I make a plan to resolve the issue. Where the worry comes in is not in the planning. It's in planning the results. I can't do that. Things very seldom work out how we hope. So, I try to be flexible; stay open-minded and willing to change if need be. We can eliminate a lot of worry by understanding that we can't control other people and many things that happen. My plate is full with making it through a day resolving issues that I can actually do something about, today. I try to stay in the now and take one day at a time.
        So, in a nutshell, I try to decide first, should I try to change something or accept it for what it is. Acceptance of a lot of things can be a real stress reducer.
        You may notice that I used the word "try" a lot. That's all we can do because all this is easier said than done.
        Good Luck!

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      Relationshipcposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Great answer. I love the thought of staying in the now, it is something that can eliminate a lot of negative emotions. Thanks!

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   lorddraven2000posted 11 years ago

   I am a notorious worrier, it drives everyone around me nuts. I find that when I get to worried I can watch a film like Donnie Darko or Fight Club and feel a little better. I also keep a journal so I can record how I am feeling.

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      Billie Kelpinposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      took a glance at ur impressive hub topics; wondering if ur worrying is based on actual knowledge of what can go wrong.  F.C. probably works b/c of  feeling of control. The statement  helps me: I never worry about things over which I have no control:)

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   CrescentSkiesposted 11 years ago

   My technique is simple, drown myself in the internet. Afterwards I feel a whole less worried because I realize that no matter what happens I'm not some of these morons on reddit and never will be unless I suffer severe head trauma.
   
   Terrible, but hey it works.

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      Relationshipcposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Yes, I can see how that can work!

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    Globetrekkermelposted 11 years ago

    No, I don't worry a lot. I do once in a while but it does not last long. My 2 cents on this question:THIS TOO SHALL PASS  and I play   Dire Straits songs titled : DON'T WORRY, SULTANS OF SWING, and  MONEY FOR NOTHING  which is in my separate playlist in the Iphone, Ipad ,laptop,Pc and my you tube.LOL! I can't escape !These usually perk me up and chase the worry away.

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       Relationshipcposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Ah...this too shall pass. I had forgotten that saying, and I used to use it all the time! I want my MTV!

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