Worry is primarily based on fear and uncertainty. It's the anxiety caused when we think we might lose something important to us. Sometimes it's obvious: You're worried about losing your job; you're worried about losing a relationship; you're worried you're losing your mind. At other times, the potential loss is a little trickier to identify: You're afraid because you're losing the ability to control a situation; you're anxious about the future; you're afraid of losing a dream.
Worry is like a rocking chair; it uses up all your energy, but where does it get you? Leo Buscaglia writes, "Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow, it only saps today of its joy."
Dr Charles Mayo of the famous Mayo Clinic says, "There's a growing mountain of evidence to suggest that worry is the chief contributor to depression, nervous breakdowns, high blood pressure, heart attacks and early death. Stress kills. I've never known a man to die from hard work, but I've known a lot who died from worry."
Author Bob Gass says, "Mathematically speaking, it doesn't make sense to worry. Psychologists tell us that roughly 30 percent of what we worry about never happens; another 30 percent has already happened; 12 percent is about unfounded health concerns, and an additional 20 percent involves 'sweating the small stuff'. That leaves only 8 percent. Think about that! We worry 92 percent of the time for no good reason at all, and if Dr Mayo is right, it's killing us."
What qualifies as a worry? Anything that drains your tank of joy… anything you can't change… anything you're not responsible for… anything you're unable to control… anything that frightens and torments you… anything that keeps you awake when you should be asleep.
Types Of Worry
Though the roots of worrying are the same, worriers come in many shapes and sizes. Some are casual worriers to whom worrying is more of a hobby. Others have become full-time professionals at this deadly game. See if you qualify for any of these.
Mayday worriers
Life is full of risks, and weighing risks is an important part of decision-making. But scaring ourselves by dwelling on remote or unlikely risks and anticipating the worst-case scenario in every situation is a surefire prescription for sleepless nights and anxious days. Mayday worriers continually live as if their plane is going down and no one is responding on the radio.
Yesterday worriers
These are the people who can't get past their mistakes of the past. They suffer from the "shoulda-coulda-woulda" syndrome — "I should have known that would happen." "I coulda prepared for that better." "I woulda pursued that other lead."
The events of yesterday can give us the wisdom to make better choices today, but none of us possess the power to take back a careless word, undo a careless act, or unthink a hurtful thought. Yesterday worrying is perhaps the most futile category.
Someday worriers
Speculation about what might happen is futile. Tomorrow belongs to God. It's completely His, with all its possibilities, burdens, perils, promise, and potential. It may be ours in time, but for right now, it's His. Therefore, there's no need for us to worry about what's not even ours yet.
Everyday worriers
Some people get trapped in a cycle of worry, replaying the same scenario over and over. They lie awake all night and literally worry themselves sick. For these people, worry has moved from a hobby to a full-time occupation.
Signs That Shows You Worry Too Much
1. You find yourself about to burst into tears at least twice a day.
2. Your friends can no longer hide how annoyed they are with your neurosis.
3. You’re either eating your feelings or you realize you’ve skipped two meals.
4. You re-play everything in your head like, 30 times.
5. You check your e-mail or phone more than ten times a day.
6. Your blood pressure is so high, a doctor can tell from a mile away.
When you go to the doctor, pay attention to your vitals. If you’re worrying too much, your body will show it. Headaches, stomachaches, and ulcers are just some side effects of ultra-worrying. Counteract this with yoga or brisk walks. Exercise is one of the best ways to relax and treat your body to some endorphins.
7. You haven’t read or watched something fun in ages.
8. You assume the worst.
9. It’s been so long since you’ve had a full night’s sleep that you look like someone punched you in the face.
10. You need alcohol to really unwind.
No comments:
Post a Comment