Last Updated on September 11, 2023 by Lori
Do you feel like you spend way too much time worrying about…every little thing? When you feel consumed by worry, learn how to stop worrying by asking yourself these important questions.
Some things in life are worth worrying about, if the worry causes you to be productive and take action on the cause of the worry.
But sometimes you may find yourself worrying…about every little thing in life.
Worrying about the little things takes time and energy out of your daily life.
It’s time to banish these little worries and move forward with more important things!
Questions to ask yourself when you are worried:
- What Are You Really Worried About?
- Is This Thing You’re Worried About Even Possible?
- Can You Control the Thing or Event You are Worried About?
- Does This Worry Affect Me Today, or is it Just a Future Possibility?
- Am I Spending Too Much Time Worrying?
- Why Do I Care What Others Think?
Worry gets into all the crevices of our lives.
We worry about our jobs, our kids, our relationships, money, and a million other things every single day.
With all this time spent worrying, it’s no wonder we feel like we’re not getting things done the way we’d like or feeling our best.
Studies show that the average adult over age 60 spends 37 minutes each day – worrying!
Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be this way.
Understanding what you’re worrying about – and why – will help put the worry demons to rest!
How to Stop Worrying By Understanding Why You Are Worried
What Are You Really Worried About?
Many times, worry is a mask for something else entirely.
If you are annoyed about your commitment to a volunteer function, for example, you may worry about how you are going to squeeze the time into an already busy schedule.
But maybe the time constraint isn’t the true issue – the real problem is your inability to say “no” and your overall discomfort with creating appropriate time commitments.
Worrying about this one function won’t solve a problem if establishing your boundaries is an issue for you.
A hard look and some pointed questions might be necessary to get to the heart of the matter of what is really bothering you.
Once you have a clear understanding of what the real issue is, it’s easier to address the problem and deal with the root cause.
Is This Thing You’re Worried About Even Possible?
Worry inflates everything to monster proportions.
If your worry seems slightly ridiculous in proportion to its cause, it probably is.
Take a step back and ask yourself just how likely this outcome is. Perhaps you’ve blown something up or made it seem more significant than it is. Get realistic, and see how that affects your feelings.
Worry can’t stand up under realistic, straightforward scrutiny.
Can You Control the Thing or Event You Are Worried About?
We’re very good at worrying about things we don’t have the power to change.
Seriously, do you have any say over whether it snows tomorrow? Nothing we do can keep the flakes from falling, so why worry about it?
Create contingency plans so you are prepared no matter the weather, and get on with life.
Accept the fact that sometimes you’re just going to have to go with the flow and adapt to the circumstances because you don’t have any control over them.
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Does This Worry Affect Me Today, or is it Just a Future Possibility?
Worries about the future can really derail your life today.
Life changes so quickly, and what seems likely to happen somewhere in the future, most often does not occur. And yet, we spend countless hours worrying about the possibility.
If you’re worried about something far off, it’s time to take a step back. Ask yourself a fundamental follow-up question if you’re concerned about the future: “Is there something I can do today that will prevent this outcome tomorrow?”
If you can control it, create a plan of action. Get to it!
Am I Spending Too Much Time Worrying?
Obsessive worry doesn’t help anyone.
If you find yourself circling back to the same concern over and over, you might need help breaking free.
Consider talking to someone, such as a good friend or even a counselor or trained professional, to give you a fresh perspective, ease your troubles, and help you break out of this vicious cycle of worrying and stress.
Why Do I Care What Others Think?
If you’re worried about the opinions of others, why is that?
If you’re concerned about impressing your boss, your mother-in-law, or a new group of friends, there are better ways to do this than worrying. Again, understand the roots of the worry. Then, stand strong in your feelings.
Your opinion of yourself is the one that counts.
More often than not, you’re going to find most people’s opinions really don’t impact you. And also that they are not focused on you. They are too busy with their own worries!
Go further: Books about worrying and anxiety in adults
Read More:
- Instant Stress Relief: How to Reduce Cortisol Levels in 60 Seconds
- What is Stress? How to Manage The Things That Stress You Out
- The Secret to Stress Relief Can Be Found in Your Sleep Habits
Final Thoughts on How to Stop Worrying About Every Little Thing
Once you have solid, honest answers to these questions, you’ll find it’s easy to get your thoughts back on track.
Worry becomes a thing of the past when we’re mindful of it, and don’t let it become obsessive.
So take the time to really reflect on the things that worry you, find the root causes, and take action.
Then, let that worry go!
Imagine the difference a life without so much worry will make. It’s time to take these steps to understand how to stop worrying.