Angst and worry - I don't need them!!!

I’m worried about <something>

https://www.psycom.net/ease-anxiety-tips/

Worry is natural.  Sometimes we worry about ourselves - may be our health, our finances, our relationships.  And, sometimes we worry about our family - may be a child, grandchild who has health issues, surgeries, even school, and grades.  And, if that isn’t enough to worry about, we can worry about our friends, the world, politics, the weather, and even sporting events (and almost everything else!!)

We generally know that worrying doesn’t do any good - but that doesn’t stop us.

Matthew 6:25 says “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?”

Or

Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

But we still worry!!

This article gives some hints about cutting our worrying down.

-1 Go for a change in scenery.

The article has this suggestion:

“Rather than sitting at home, go out for a brisk walk. In many cases, anxiety creates a rigid mindset in which it seems like nothing can change; doing something different can help with cognitive flexibility to shift gears.”

Getting away helps us leave the worry behind.  Even just grocery shopping can help you have a change of scenery.  I try to walk every day - for exercise yes - but also to get out of my 582 square foot apartment!!!  Just changing something can get your mind off your troubles.  

-2  Chew Gum!!

(Yes - Chew gum!!!) 

The authors give this research: “We know dentists recommend chewing sugarless gum after meals to reduce plaque, but now, research shows popping in a piece may also help reduce anxiety. Scientists aren’t exactly sure why, but they believe it’s because the act of chewing increases blood flow to the brain and may lower cortisol levels.”

Hey- why not try it!!  (I’m not a big gum-chewer, but increasing the blood flow to the brain seems like a good idea!!)

-3 Accept the angst

“When you’re feeling anxious, instead of practicing avoidance behaviors allow the uncertainty to be there and leave those worry questions unanswered.”

Two weeks ago I had a medical appointment in downtown Austin.  Austin is becoming a ‘big city’ - complete with homeless walking the streets, panhandlers, and drug addicts.  As I walked the two blocks from the light rail train station, my mind was telling me that I was vulnerable and I could be attacked by unsavory people.  Yes, that might be possible - but there were people and cars all around me. I wasn’t in danger!!!

-4 Come back to the present moment:

Sometimes our brain jumps into worry while doing something else (the article suggests that you are reading a book and all-of-a-sudden you are worried about having enough money for retirement!!!  The suggestion is to let that negative thought go away by getting back into what you were doing.

-5 Exercise

As always, EXERCISE can get you out of your worrying funk!!  “According to research, it really can do wonders for the mind—from helping the brain better cope with stress to releasing endorphins, natural painkilling chemicals in the brain, which improve sleep and reduces stress. Get moving, even a 15-minute home dance session a day to your favorite tracks can improve your anxious mood.”

Yup - get moving.  Sweat can help overcome the angst!!.

Again,  a couple of Bible quotes: “When anxiety was great within me,

your consolation brought me joy. (Psalm 94:19) and John 14:24 “Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

It might be easier said than done - but get your mind off the problem.

Hugs!!

Karen

(Three weeks ago my car was experiencing transmission problems.  I dreaded the thought of getting either a new transmission or having to get a newer car.  Finally, I could not go faster than about eight miles-per-hour. And, I was a problem in traffic!!  I had to face the situation. Driving from a lunch date with a friend back to Georgetown at eight-miles-per-hour wasn’t going to fix anything - and parking my car for a day hoping it would fix itself wasn’t going to work.  So, yes, my cheap self knew it was time. Yes, it was a hit on my budget (about 70% of my monthly income) - but I/we had savings that we could use. Life is good now, I don’t worry about driving!!!