Today’s post is about worrying. I remember when I was in the working world, it seemed like I was constantly worried about something. On Friday nights, I was happy to see the weekend come, but then I would find myself consumed with worry about what I had to deal with on Monday.
Now that I am retired and suffer from chronic arthritis pain, I worry about how much pain I will be in as I live my life. How much medication should I pack? Do I need any special type of arthritis aids, such as a support pillow, neck pillow, or seat cushion?
Is there ample time to stretch or go for a short walk to ease cramped muscles?
In my mind, worrying let me go over all my options to solve the problem, but it destroyed a nice weekend that should have been spent doing things I enjoyed.
Planning certainly has its place, but when worry dominates your life, you need some solutions that will get your thinking back on track.
How to Control Worry and Reclaim Your Life
Designate Worry Time
No, I haven’t lost my mind. Sometimes you just have to let the “worry” flow. Set a timer for 15 minutes and imagine the worst thing that could happen.
If other worries come up, remind yourself that you can address the problem at your next worry time.
Write in a Journal
This is my go-to when worry threatens to overwhelm me. Don’t censor your writing and list everything that is bothering you. Writing worries down allows all the tension to drain out of your body, and when you’re well-rested, you don’t worry as much.
It’s a good idea to get into the habit of journaling regularly. I find that when I keep a gratitude journal, I am so grateful for the good things in my life that worries don’t come up as much.
Eat a Healthy Diet
It seems like a healthy diet is always one of the first recommendations for any kind of trouble, and what does a healthy diet have to do with worry?
When you feel good, there doesn’t seem to be as much to worry about. Trade in Pop-Tarts for nutritious cereal or eggs, and skip the drive-thru at McDonald’s.
Fruit is cheap and can be a healthy snack. Learn how to cook inexpensive cuts of meat such as skirt steak, beef shank, and pork sirloin chops. Buy a cookbook and let your imagination run wild.
Get a Head Start the Day Before
I am the queen of procrastination, and instead of preparing in advance, I am running around like a crazy woman trying to get ready to go.
What do you have to do to get ready for the day? Prepare lunches the night before and decide what you will wear.
Hot cereal can be prepped the night before, so you just have to heat it up and eat it in the morning.
Resist the urge to hit the snooze button and get up when your alarm goes off. Double-check that you have everything before you leave the house.
Pack Medications and Arthritis Aids
I just got back from a mini vacation, and I am so glad I had everything with me to be as pain-free as possible.
First, I made sure I had all my medications. I needed some of the meds with me and the others up in my room for later. The hotel pillows were not going to cut it, so I brought my support pillow.
A heating pad was comforting for an aching back, and I played a sleep recording on my phone, which helped me wake up more rested.
Accept That Life is Never Perfect
No one on this earth is truly worry-free. This is an unrealistic expectation that can ultimately cause more worry when you start to worry about worrying.
Try to differentiate between the worrying that most people experience and the unnatural worrying that leads to anxiety.
Live your life fully and do something you enjoy every day. Solve problems that have a solution, and try not to worry about things that you can’t control.
