The sky isn’t falling
Are you an over thinker or a worrier? If so, you’re not alone. With all of the information available to us, it’s an easy to fall into the trap. You lay in bed tossing and turning while you think too much about, well, everything! What went wrong that day, what didn’t get done, whether your teenager is doing ok or struggling. Analyzing situations isn’t always bad, but consider if it’s an ongoing thought or feeling that keeps you discouraged or anxious. That’s when it’s unhealthy and can cause serious complications for your physical health and your relationships.
The definition of worry (verb) is to torment oneself with or suffer from disturbing thoughts*. When you put it that way, it sounds awful! And it can be.
Worry is a mechanism to spur you into action. But what if you can’t?
Is your overthinking warranted?
Everything changed for me when I realized that trying to control it all is what led me to think too much. My over analysis got the better of me and impacted my connection with my family. So if you are an overthinker, stop and acknowledge that worry is not fact. Check your reality and address the things you can take responsibility for. For example, your teenager is trying out for a school team and you’re worried how she’ll respond if she doesn’t make it. You can encourage and console, but you can’t control anything about the tryout. It’s up to your child to prepare for and execute the tryout. Your worry is likely just making your child anxious. In this case, wish her luck and be there to help her grow through whatever lesson comes. Evaluate whether your worry is something you need to act on or just release.
If you are having worry, capture it. What are you worried about? Write it down. Use your journal, if you have one. Then identify the feeling below the worry. What positive value that you hold is being challenged? What can you do about it? Focus on the positive intent and make an effort to control that.
I keep a notepad by my bed at night so as things pop into my head, I can jot them down so that my mind can relax and I can sleep. This has made a huge difference not only in my sleep but in my reduction of worry overall. Many of the things I had been thinking about would work themselves out overnight or turned out not to be such a big deal after a good night’s sleep.
End your day releasing the worries of the day. Try meditating, going on a walk, journaling or talking it out. You can also reflect on what went right that day as you’re going to bed to keep those positive thoughts in your head.
Conclusion
The key is to identify what you can control and take action on that. And let the rest go. If you’re curious about your leading emotion, you can take my quiz to discover more.
If you know you need to take action, but you’re still not sure what that looks like, read my personal journey on moving forward.
My FREE Feed Your Soul guide will help you reinvigorate so you can start feeling like yourself again.
Feel like you’ve lost control of your physical and emotional energy?
I’ve been coaching people to be their best for over twenty years and love seeing them thrive as they adjust the lens they’re looking through. As a mom of teengaers, I realized that I could use my talent to help moms feel less frustrated, isolated and defeated as their kids navigate the challenging teen years. Helping my clients improve their relationship with themselves and honor their needs is my superpower. You’ll love how your energy shifts and your interactions become more positive after working together! I’m excited for you to experience more peace and confidence and live the life you’re meant to live.
