Kick the Habit of Worry

Do you find it difficult to relax? You know the feeling that you can’t stop your mind from churning over at warp speed? Crunching data, processing details and working out how to make everything work? It’s something that some people are proud of. They sincerely believe they’re being productive by analysing every detail of their lives. As you might suspect, research indicates that this is not the most efficient way to use our creative abilities. The mind, like any muscle in the body, needs time to rest and recover from the day’s exertions. So, why do we do it?

Perhaps we should start by asking ourselves why we need to fret and stress ourselves over everything in the first place. The answer is that this is a classic over-reaction to the complexity and uncertainty of modern life. We look for ways to control as much as possible because we are not comfortable with unpredictability. We reassure ourselves by applying huge amounts of mental energy to the object of our doubts in the hope that all this effort will carve a solid pathway that will minimise any unplanned or unforeseen events and block any unwelcome intrusions. In reality, this is how we legitimise our fears and worries.

We know that it feels as if we’re being very grown up and behaving responsibly because we’re taking everything very seriously. It’s also very odd because the habit of constantly thinking – or overthinking - denies ourselves the respite we need to see things more clearly. Our minds need downtime to give the subconscious sufficient space to reflect, analyse and file all the data that occupies our waking attention. When we’re constantly thinking things through, we cut the connection with our most powerful analytical faculty. Most overthinking ends up going around in circles. It’s rarely productive. This is where an ounce of mindfulness can work wonders. Take a step back. Breathe more deeply. Detach yourself from the compulsive habit of overthinking. You are not, after all, your thoughts. Why let them control your ability to control your mental energy? Learn to let go. Open up a space for your subconscious to whisper its potent and highly-relevant conclusions.

In this field of inner peace, everything appears calmer, clearer and much easier to understand. There is no hint of worry, doubt, fear or confusion. This is where your answers will reveal yourself. Effortlessly.

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