Sanitarium

The Health Food Company

More about our healthy steps programme

Worrying is a bit like riding a rocking horse. It gives you something to do when you're bored but doesn't actually get you anywhere!

Do you find yourself consumed by worry? Do you spend much of the day thinking about all the things that could go wrong in the future? If so, you will know that this is not a happy or healthy state to be in. More than that, excessive worrying tends to inhibit you from achieving what you want, and can lead to depression.

When you spend a lot of time worrying, you are spending less time taking positive action, so your productivity goes down. You also tend to miss out on enjoying whatever it is you are doing because your mind is elsewhere.

You may be at a friend's barbeque; eating, drinking and chatting away, but in the back of your mind you're actually thinking about that presentation you have to give at work next week. "I really need to start doing some preparation for it" "What if I don't get it done in time?" "I hope I don't embarrass myself in front of my colleagues".

Worrying can stop you from enjoying your life, and savouring the present moment. So how can you reduce the amount of time spent worrying? The simple answer is to stop doing it! Easier said than done, I hear you say, and you're right. But by making a conscious and consistent effort to dismiss worrying thoughts as they come into your head, you will begin to form a habit of letting go of these stressful thoughts, so that you are free to enjoy whatever you are doing in the moment.

Remember, you are not ignoring your problems, you are just ignoring worrying thoughts that may drift into your mind. Later, when you are in a calm and rational mood, you can think constructively about how you are going to address any particular problem that you may have. This is different to worrying, as you are actually looking for practical ways to solve issues, and to take action on your plans.

Sometimes it can be a good idea to set aside 10-15 minutes every night that you use for "worry time", and save up all your worry for then. When worrying thoughts enter your head during the day, you can think "I'll worry about that during my worry time tonight". This may sound silly, but this simple exercise has actually been shown to reduce stress in anxious people.

You might be thinking, that's all very well in theory, but I need to worry. I have big important issues to think about! It's my job to worry, that's what I get paid good money for. I have to worry constantly about my kids, otherwise I wouldn't be a good mother. Let's get one thing straight – worrying doesn't achieve anything (apart from stress, anxiety and depression). So the sooner you can let go of it, the happier you will be. So stop worrying, and start living!

If you live in Auckland, and would like to find out about personal coaching, visit www.eclipselifecoaching.com or call Kris on (09) 629 6080.

Copyright Eclipse Life Coaching Ltd 2009. All rights reserved

To read more from Our Experts click here