Ways to Help Stop Worrying

When I was much younger I used to worry about anything and everything, especially at night. For some reason the onset of darkness would bring on a flood of worries, and if I didn't have something to worry about, my mind would search for something to worry about. I'd lay in bed staring at the dark ceiling and wonder how I'd solve my latest dilemma. I spent many sleepless nights worrying about problems that ended up working themselves out, but I don't anymore.

Maybe obsessive worrying naturally lessens with age and experience, but somehow I've learned how to stop worrying, especially about situations that are out of my hands. These days I don't worry nearly as much as I used to. I've learned that it doesn't solve anything, and although some people can't help being tormented by their thoughts, it is possible to stop worrying and start taking the trials and tribulations of life one day at a time.

Is It Really Worth Worrying About?

Before deciding you'll never be able to stop worrying about your problems, take into consideration the magnitude of the problems you're worrying about. When I was much younger I wasn't as sensitive toward others, and my problems seemed to be exclusive at the time. These days I'm more empathetic, and I realize that no matter what my problems are, many others are suffering with much greater problems than mine, and I try to focus on the positive rather than the negative.

Problems can seem overwhelming at times, but keep in mind that the reason things seem to be worse than anything anyone else could possibly ever experience is because it's happening to you. You're certainly not alone. Put into perspective what you're obsessing about, and you might come to realize it isn't as bad as you initially thought.

Can Your Problem Be Solved?

Almost every problem has a solution, and problems without solutions aren't worth worrying about in the first place. Do your really believe that if you worry about a particular problem, it will help change or stop the problem? If the answer is no, than it's time to seek a solution. Actively looking for a solution to a problem will help you begin to stop worrying. When you're obsessing about a situation you aren't doing anything positive to try and correct it.

The Power of Prayer

Those who believe in prayer can find comfort in praying about their problems. God doesn't always answer our prayers right away, and the answers we receive aren't always the answers we want, but God has hindsight, and it is 20/20. I've prayed about certain situations, and in many cases I didn't realize my prayers had been answered until months or even years later. Once I realized my prayers had been answered, I experienced what I call a God moment, and the series of events all made sense - even the negative experiences. Turn the problems you can't handle over to God, and allow Him to do His will. Prayer isn't magic, but if you believe, it will help bring peace to your heart and mind, and it can help put a stop to worrying.

Talk to Others

One of the first things I do when experiencing a problem is pick up the phone and call my parents or one of my dearest friends. Talking over situations with others is a fantastic way to stop worrying, and it can also help you find a solution. A confidant may think of a solution you've never considered, and as the old saying goes, where there's a will, there's a way! Obsessing over a problem won't do anything positive to help the situation, but talking about it can help you stop worrying.

Write it All Down

As a writer, I feel that one of the best ways to help stop worrying can be achieved through writing about problems and difficult situations, and this type of writing doesn't have to be shared with others to be effective. It's a form of expression that greatly relieves pressure on the mind, and it's also a way to help put problems into perspective. I've found solutions to problems when writing down the information. Expressive writing helps organize facts and feelings, and it's one of the best ways to help yourself stop worrying - especially when situations can't be remedied, changed, or controlled.