Ty Howard
Copyright © by MOTIVATION magazine. All rights reserved.
If you turn back the pages of history, to some 40-50 years back, you will find treatments and remedies for mental health disorders like anxiety, depression, and hypertension. We've watched each of these disorders increase more-and-more over the past three decades.
Have you ever wondered, what caused these mental health disorders, and why have they made their way to becoming a widespread part of human life? One of the primary causes of all three above mentioned disorders is worry.
I have coached and worked with many executives, managers, and individuals over the years, and I can say that the concerns and problems that affected them most when it came to worrying are similar across the board:
• Failure
• Finances, having more bills than they could handle at that time
• Employment
• Family or at home challenge
• Guilt
• Health issue
• Fear of being found out (Imposter Syndrome)
• Fear of not being intelligent enough, good enough or capable enough
• Concerns about life in general, they are already overworked and overwhelmed
If you've experienced worrying as I and many others have, you know worrying takes a toll. Whether it's because you care, the noise or situations going on in the world, you've been overwhelmed, you've been too busy to focus, or it's a part of your DNA—worrying visits and drains all of us at one time or another. And when you worry, it also affects the people around you, because they can feel and see it weakening you.
There is no argument that stress and worry can shorten your lifespan and negatively impact your life in general. Worry causes worry, creating a debilitating cycle that escalates as we continue the habit. Scientists at Purdue University found that chronic worrying can kill you because it leads to unhealthy behavior, like smoking and consuming large quantities of alcohol. It can also lead to depression and neuroticism.
Here are five Big Questions to ask yourself that can help you address and conquer worry. Get yourself a pen and a few sheets of blank paper and record your honest answers as you go. Title each page 'My Worry List.'
1) What is worrying me right now? And what caused it?
Worry is a state of anxiety and uncertainty over actual or potential problems. In cases where you know the cause of your worry, write it down in detail, and begin looking for and listing solutions for your worry. In cases where you are not clear on the real cause of your worry, make a note on your 'Worry List' that you might be in a state of depression or experiencing anxiety. You may also need to talk with someone you trust that will listen to and not judge you or consult a licensed therapist.
2) Is what I'm worried about helping me to solve a problem?
Most worry is linked to or wrapped around a problem that we need to address and solve sooner rather than later.
Right now, breathe in slowly... pause seven seconds... then let your breath out slowly. Pause another 10 seconds... Now, think about this question. Write down the details and checkmark noted items as reference points for clarity, reality, and potential solution options.
3) If I completely ignored what I'm worried about, will the matter go away or get worse?
Sometimes you might have to put something you're worrying about on pause so that you can peak perform in another area of life. Example: If you're at work and you've been worrying about a challenge going on at home or with a family member, you may choose to put this worry on pause while at work so you can do what your employer has hired you to do. Once you're off of work and headed home, then you unpause your worry so you can think it through and problem solve.
So, I suggest that you never completely ignore what's worrying you. Deal with it; think it through, work through it, and release it once you realize you've given quality attention to it. On the other hand, do not get addicted to worrying exhaustively on an issue. Should you find yourself at this point, seek outside help from someone you trust or a licensed therapist.
4) Who or what resource/agency could help me to navigate through what I'm worried about positively and productively?
As I stated at the beginning of this article, for the past 40-50 years up to the present, there are many treatments and remedies to help us deal with mental health disorders like anxiety, depression, and hypertension; to include, worrying.
There are trusted friends, family members, mentors, clergy, and coaches. You also have mental health agencies, doctors or licensed professionals, and resources in your community and online. Know that you're never alone when it comes to successfully navigating and finding your way positively and productively through worrying.
5) How would I feel if I was not always in a state of worry on the issue that's worrying me right now?
The answer is, most likely, you would feel much better, refreshed, relaxed, and able to be a positive and productive member of society. Your work, home, and social life would once again be vibrant and filled with laughter and happiness. Ultimately, you can breathe and be the best and upbeat you that you know you can be. How's that for opening up the blinds and letting the sunshine back in? Great, if you asked me!
From this point forward, each time a worry creeps in, write down a brief description of it. Then ask yourself the five Big Questions above to begin the process of courageously addressing your worry. Write down your honest answer to each question in detail. You will see and learn as you view your list of evidence that some of your concerns will be very real and also very addressable. As weeks and months go by, you will have proof that the majority of your worries never materialize. The worries that never materialized release them, and let them go. The worries that are very real address them and work through them both positively and productively.
When necessary, go through your 'My Worry List' with someone you trust to listen and not judge. Then focus on where you can make changes in your thinking to think more optimistically and start taking positive actions to problem solve so you can eventually release your worry.
Hi! What is your biggest worry right now? And what will you do to shift your energy from negative worry to positive action? Please feel free to share your input by commenting below. Thank you in advance for sharing.
About the Author: Ty Howard,
Founder, CEO and Editor in Chief of MOTIVATION magazine
Ty Howard is an organizational development consultant and executive and manager development coach. He's an internationally recognized authority on personal, professional, relationships and success habits development. He is the creator and lead facilitator of the trademarked Untie the Knots® Process, and the author of the best-selling book Untie the Knots® That Tie Up Your Life: A Practical Guide to Freeing Yourself from Toxic Habits, Choices, People, and Relationships, as well as dozens of published articles on relationships, healthy habits development, empowerment and peak performance worldwide.
For information on the author click on the following link: Ty Howard.
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