Resolve to Worry Less

How To Put Away Your Worry In 2016

Oh, if only it was as easy as Bobby McFerrin said in his famous song, “Don’t worry. Be happy.” But we all know there is a little bit more to resolving to worry less. It’s quite natural to have worry about the unknown. In fact, Shape reports that worrying may mean your brain is better at analyzing and breaking down language-based information, and points out that worrying can be a great motivating factor. However, the problem develops when worry becomes less of a tool to make educated decisions and more of a false reality.

The Resolution: Worry Less

Positivity Blog defines worry as, “the act of thinking about the unknown in a way that we fear.” Therefore, worry stems from fear. They go on to say, “And regardless of the situation, if you think about that event in a way that makes you fear the outcome, that thought will stay with you, generate more similar thoughts and create constant worry.” When we worry, we lose our focus. We get caught up in what “might” be instead of what “is.” And the more we worry, the more we worry. Worry can become a constant loop in our brain that pulls us away from the truth and into the black hole of negativity and fear. Crazy, huh? So, this year, vow to live a more worry-free life. Here’s how:

Mantra

Having a word or phrase to guide your actions throughout the year can help keep you focused on the results you want to achieve. For the resolution to “Worry Less,” try one of the mantra below. Every time you experience a worried thought, stop and repeat any one of the below mantra’s until the worried thought subsides being replaced by one of safety, calm an overall sense of well-being.

• I trust the process.
• My intention is to focus on the now.
• All is well.
• I am Divinely loved and guided.
• This too shall pass.
• I am safe.

For more mantra inspiration, check out these 25 Empowering Worry Quotes on The Positivity Blog.

Visualize

Visualization is a powerful tool for creating life changes. Make a powerful visualization of your New Year’s Resolution by grabbing your journal and a pen, and finding a quiet place to sit down and relax. Take a few deep breaths to center yourself and clear your mind. Now, close your eyes and visualize a positive outcome to the situation you are worried about. How does it feel? Actually let yourself feel what it would feel like to be done with whatever it is you’re worrying about. How would it feel to let it go? What would you feel like? See yourself being freed and sit with that feeling for as long as you can feel it. Repeat this process daily. Consistently imagining your life as you want it to be will create a new “truth” in your self conscious.

Action Steps

It’s one thing to visualize your goals. It’s another to make a plan. But without putting your foot down and moving, you can’t achieve your goals. So, what are your action steps? Write down three things you can do this week to get your closer to your goal. Try to avoid the habit of overwhelming yourself with too many tasks. Instead, focus on 1 – 3 each week. Don’t know where to start? Try these 10 tips from Huffington Post:

1. Change your perspective.
2. Write about it.
3. Work hard.
4. Say no.
5. Set priorities.
6. Postpone worry.
7. Say “Stop!”
8. Imagine the worst and be okay with it.
9. Rehearse success.
10. Focus on the external world.

When you are feeling challenged in your New Year’s Resolution, remember this quote:

“Every tomorrow has two handles. We can take hold of it with the handle of anxiety or the handle of faith.” – Henry Ward Beecher

What is your New Year’s Resolution and what progress are you making? Tell us in the comments.