Happy & Healthy
HOW TO BE CAREFREE – THE GUIDE
Sometimes I am a master at worrying. Then that worried frown on my forehead takes over my whole face. So much so, that it looks like a makeover. The relaxed neck muscles transform into steel cables and I walk around all day with my shoulders raised. No, not a light shrug, but as if I possess turtle capabilities and can pull my head between my shoulders. Yes.
Such a little worry (because it usually isn't that big) starts tiny. She wants to catch up over a mint tea or wine, but I actually have zero minutes to spare. And then within ten minutes, I become the biggest monster on earth (I think), because I have to make time for that? If an abruptly cut-off message from her follows, I think: see, she's bizarrely angry. But actually, she's just busy and secretly typing under the table in a meeting with her boss. In my head, that looks like an exploding city in an episode of The Lord of the Rings. Yes, my imagination is e-norm. But how is it that we quickly start to worry? And, a better question... How do you get rid of it?
It's in human nature to focus on the negative instead of the positive. So it's logical that you make it bigger for yourself than the fun around you. But what a shame, because worrying also means you forget to enjoy. What doesn't help at all? Telling yourself to think about something else. Then it becomes a humongous pink elephant that thunders behind you all day. It only makes the struggles more.
A worry is certainly not just a worry, but there are some tricks to relieve yourself (or to attempt to do so):
1. A reality check. Have the things you were staring at the ceiling about three weeks ago perhaps resolved themselves (yes, this is one from Tom Sebastian)? Now that you mention it; often yes. What a waste of your time, huh?
2. Have you adopted the worries of your loved one, brother, or friend? Sometimes you really can't solve someone else's worries.
3. Let it go, take ten minutes to breathe in and out calmly. It's wonderful. Your heart rate goes down, you feel more relaxed, and you only have to breathe for it.
4. Actually, number three is the down-to-earth version of meditating. Do you have meditation skills? Then that seems to work too.
5. Buy the new book by Jet. It contains handy tips for when you could use a little support (100 of them, wow).
6. Do something nice for yourself. You might just risk feeling better.
7. Make a worry list. If it's on paper, then it's out of your head for a moment.
8. I have a card that says: ‘Worrying is fantasizing in the wrong direction.’ This is my only card, I promise. Call me a space cadet, but I think it's a truth as solid as a cow. Buy such a card.
9. Go to bed early, because tomorrow the day might look different. Heads up: this doesn't work if you suffer from insomnia (then May has advice, just click here).
10. And think about how nice it is when those worries aren't there. Okay, and now don't let go of that feeling.
