We are such good worriers – in the worry sense of the word, that is.
And COVID-19, I am sure, has done nothing to alleviate this destructive habit.
Worry, I believe, is just a socially acceptable form of fear. This is not a justifiable fear triggered by a lion chasing you, but a fear for some imaginary happening in the future. Studies have shown that 95% of your fears or worries are a waste of emotional energy.
But why is it that, although we know this, it makes little difference to our daily reactions? I think it is because worry has become like smoking, coffee or tea drinking – an acceptable addiction that we do not take seriously enough. We do not realise that worry is a counter productive mind game that leads to negativity and anxiety and could escalate to severe depression and even suicide.
Worry keeps you from hope, peace, love and joy – the very states of mind that would save you from the pits!
What can we do to kerb this silly, destructive habit?
Remind yourself of two facts:
- That worrying is a useless, self-sabotaging habit that originates from negative thought processes. You are in control of your thoughts – and can turn it around!
- That events and emotions fall into one of two categories –
- those you can control or do something about, and
- those beyond your control.
Decide quickly whether you are dealing with an A or B scenario.
If it is A, decide what you can do about it, and DO IT. (If you worry about your ageing mother, go and phone her!!)
If it’s a B – Accept and surrender. Equip yourself with the necessary knowledge to understand the situation but do not over-think events you can do nothing about.
COVID-19 and the Lockdown is an ideal opportunity to take stock of your own worry-mindset and choose to break free from the self-sabotage.
