Since there’s no logic to worrying, it sometimes strikes us when we least expect it. You could be having a perfectly wonderful day and a nagging little thought can bring you down to tears and anxiety. Your positive attitude is ruined and you have to struggle to focus on what you’re doing or involved in once again.
Worry destroys the joys you may be experiencing and can cause suffering and fear that isn’t necessary. There’s no reason to feel shut off from life. Worry is deceptive, getting you to live in a future of doom when you could be enjoying life.
Although it’s difficult to maintain or return to a positive attitude when worry brings you down, it’s possible. You’ve heard the old adage, “When life hands you lemons, make lemonade…”? That’s what it means to take worry and turn it around to build something positive in your life.
Here are some tips to gaining a positive attitude when worry seems at its worst:
Put a Time Limit on Your Worry
For example, you may want to give some of the worst worries more time – 10 minutes or so – and other, less stressful worries a couple of minutes. Think about all the outcomes of your worry and then stop! Put it out of your mind. You gave it the time it deserved – now get back to work.
Keep Busy
When you’re focused on a task that keeps your mind occupied, it’s difficult to worry. If you’re especially troubled by worrying, take a walk or a run. Getting exercise releases endorphins in your brain that can stop worry in its tracks.
Think in terms of “law of averages.” How likely is it that what you’re worrying about will happen? The odds are probably against what you’re worried about. If the problem is inevitable and there’s nothing you can do to stop it, strive to accept the situation and make plans about how you’re going to handle it.
Keep a Gratitude Journal
It’s a way of counting your blessings rather than your troubles. Even if it’s little things like a fire keeping you warm or a loving pet beside you – being grateful for what you have staves off worry and helps you keep a more positive attitude.
Dale Carnegie once said, “Our life is what our thoughts make it.” When you cultivate a positive attitude, you’re helping to make your life the most enjoyable and the best it can be.
