Tips From a Master Worrier!

Do you stay up nights worrying about tomorrow or other days in your future? Do you go on vacation and find yourself worrying about everything rather than enjoying yourself? Do you find yourself easily distracted while at work because you’re worrying about events outside of your work? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you are just like me.

I’m a Master Worrier!

With worry comes distraction. With worry comes anxiety. With worry comes depression. A lot of unwanted obstacles and trials come with excessive worrying. Constantly worrying about everything doesn’t help you in the long run. In fact, there isn’t any benefit to engaging in this habit. So, what can you do?

As a Master Worrier, here are some tips that I have found extremely beneficial.

• Research. This is a term you have most likely heard in school at some point. Well, the same principle applies when you are anticipating a certain event or situation to occur. Look at all of your possibilities. Research every single detail. As the saying goes, “Cross every ‘t’ and dot every ‘i’.”

• Plan Ahead. If you’re worrying about something, it’s most likely that you are already anticipating the event. With this in mind, take a look at everything you need to, what you might encounter, and what still needs to be done. Work on as much as you can before the planned event to cut down on your amount of worrying.

• Ask Questions. Don’t be afraid to ask anyone and everyone all the questions you might be entertaining. Call places and people, send text messages, chat with someone online. There are so many different ways to get your questions answered. Addressing those questions allows you to feel more confident and assured.

• Write Things Down. I don’t know about you, but I feel much better if I have made lists, written down my questions and wrote down every detail to refer back to later. Even if you don’t think your thought or information may be useful, write them down anyway. The biggest advantage is that by writing things down, your brain recognizes that you have acknowledged the thought. Thus, no need to worry.

• Make a Backup Plan. If you find yourself worrying about something that you feel prepared to encounter, maybe there is something else that needs to be thought about. Making a backup plan allows you to feel more comfortable and relaxed and thus you won’t be so anxious or worried.

• Make a Contact List. Whatever it is that you are doing or expecting, have a list of resources available to you. This can be a list of your family members, friends, business partners, mentors, community resources, counselors/therapists, teachers, church leaders…well, just about anyone! Have your contact list easily available and accessible for those times when you need someone.

I can tell you that these are tried and true tips. I know because I use them. You may not find all of them work for you. But I’m guessing at least one will!

Do me a favor and try one, OK? Let me know what helps you to not be a master worrier.

©Julie Corbett