“Worry is like a rocking chair: it gives you something to do but never gets you anywhere.” – Erma Bombeck
Photo source: Canva
When we worry we spend more time in our heads than in the present moment. We think that we are “doing something” but instead, like the rocking chair, there’s movement but we are going nowhere.
It still leaves us in inaction, it leaves us isolated, disconnected from ourselves, the people in our lives, the world around us.
Of course, there are times when we need to plan and prepare.
The worry, I am referring to, is the thoughts running around in our minds about the “what ifs”; it’s the anxious thoughts that pull us into future thinking; it’s when we ruminate over the unknown.
I don’t know about you but whenever I get lost in this spiralling worry loop, it doesn’t leave me feeling good.
So what do we do? How can we be more mindful of the present moment rather than get lost in the stream of worry?
Try the following ABC’S for getting out of the Worry Loop
Acknowledge the Worry:
Label it “ahh worries here”. Ask yourself, is there anything I can actually do? Often times, we are worrying about something that hasn’t even happened.
Breathe:
Bring your attention back to your breath. Pause and take 3 deep, slow belly breaths
Connect:
Reach out to supportive people in your life. Sometimes talking it out can help us make sense of what’s happening / bring perspective to the situation. Rather than going through an endless worry loop.
Self-Talk Reminders:
Use Encouraging self-talk reminders: Say the following phrases to yourself: “No matter what happens, I’ve got this” or “I can handle whatever comes my way”