5 Guidelines to Ease Worrying

Have you turned on your television lately? If so, words like ISIS, Ebola, economy and Obamacare can send your blood pressure through the roof. It is difficult in today's world to keep from worrying. I've recently spoken with a number of friends who say they have trouble sleeping at night because their minds just can't shut down. With all of the stresses and strains on our lives these days it's no wonder people are weighted down with worry. 

Worry is a dangerous animal. It lurks through our minds and then moves in and says a while. It fills us with self-doubt, fear, and sometimes even anger...all of which have significant negative effects on our health and well-being.

So the question becomes, "How can we stop worrying?" There is a quote I love that states, "Worrying does not take away tomorrow's troubles, it takes away today's peace." Today I would like to present to you my top 5 guidelines to easing your worrying mind. I know I could use a little more of all of these things in my life as well. Let's take a look.

Reframe your thoughts. This sounds pretty simplistic, right...just don't think about the negative things that surround you and you won't worry so much. We all know it's not that easy though. Thoughts are powerful and we need to be very conscious about how we allow them to work in our lives. We are the masters of our thoughts. If we allow negative thoughts to take over, "I will never get that job." or "I'm just not as good as every one else.", we will begin to live what we are believing. Thoughts become actions, so we need to ensure that our thoughts are supported with positive energy and power. Garbage in, garbage out right? When worry starts to creep in, try your best to consciously pivot, reframe and change those thoughts of worry into something more productive.

Stay in the present moment. Nine times out of ten the things we worry about are either in our past or in our future. For example, someone may worry that they may run into an old friend that they had a falling out with while others may worry that the presentation they need to give at work at the end of the week won't go well. The key word in both situations is control. Ask yourself, "What can I control about this situation?" If your answer is "nothing" then you need to consciously refocus your thinking. You cannot control where your old friend goes or exactly how your presentation will go. Those are things that need to be dealt with in the present moment; if you ever run into that old friend you will deal with it then just as if your presentation doesn't go well. All you can control is what is happening in the present moment. Become aware and present in each and every moment of your day, and you will notice worry starting to disappear. Life is a sequence of moments called now. Be sure you are living every moment fully!

Stay properly informed. Here's a newsflash; not everything you read online or see on television is authentic. I know, shocking right? Seriously, there will be situations, such as is the case with ISIS and Ebola, where there may be legitimate cause for concern. Concern...not worry. It's okay to be concerned. When someone is concerned, they properly research the issue that concerns them and find out what they need to know to do what they can to help the situation. Sometimes you can take preventative measures and sometimes you just have to leave things to the Universe and trust that everything will fall into place appropriately. In either case, worry is not going to help. I suggest reading up on what concerns you and arming yourself with knowledge. After all, knowledge is power!

Do something to initiate positive change. One of the best things we can do for ourselves is to help others. One of my favorite quotes says, "You have never really lived until you have done something for someone who can never repay you." I have found this to be true, especially recently with my work at my daughter's charter school. There is just something about volunteering with the other parents and helping the children that speaks to my soul. It's wonderful to reach out to others in need, especially when our hearts and minds are filled with worry and doubt. Seeing the looks on the faces of those who are helped brings about a sense of peace and purpose that the worry and fear we experience sometimes can diminish. Replenish that peace and joy by doing for others.

Meditate, breathe, and Pause for Power. I spoke earlier about how we are the masters of our thoughts and how positive thoughts bring about positive energy and power. I started my Pause for Power programs and meditations because I firmly believe that when we take time out of our lives to center ourselves, to meditate on the things in our lives that are not serving our higher purpose and release those things, when we pause and meditate with a grateful heart on those things in our lives which we are thankful for...that all of these things together create a power within us that nothing can diminish. Breathe deeply, release your doubts and fears and fill that space with positive energy and peace. 

I am grateful that you took the time to be with me today here on my blog. I hope these guidelines will help you lessen the worry in your life and help bring about more peace and joy.

Sacred Affirmations for this moment:

I acknowledge that I am the master of my thoughts. 

I acknowledge that I have the power to create a positive presence inside of myself as well as in my community.

I forgive myself for wasting time with worry, regret, fear, and doubt.

I give myself permission to stay in the present moment and consciously create a positive environment for myself and my loved ones.

Take a few moments to reflect on these thoughts, share and discuss this blog. Your insights could help another reader, so don't hold back, share the love. Tell me what you think? What were you present to when you read this article, 5 Guidelines to Ease Worrying? I am so honored that you spent time in this sacred space with me. You make a difference in the Universe, always remember that! Now don't hold back, speak your truth! The Universe is listening.....!

Namaste,

Richa xoxox

Richa Badami is a transformation leader, meditation teacher, spiritual coach and mentor. She inspires her clients and students to create lasting transformation and success by leveraging their inner power. Her private and group programs have helped hundreds heal, transform and powerfully create lives that they love! To receive Richa's podcast, videos and blogs delivered right to your mailbox, subscribe to her bi-weekly newsletter "The Pause". For media inquiries send email to [email protected]