Thoughts have no weight, but they can be as physically tiring as manual labor! But if we choose to lighten our heads, we will come out victorious overall. Here’s how you can do it
What could possibly go wrong? What could we have done differently? What if…? If you happen to feel exhausted more and more often, you may also be tired of the constant thoughts swirling around in your head. It’s hard to put the brakes on the racing mind, but when we do, our body will thank us.
Dr. Seth J. Gillihan, a psychologist specializing in conscious cognitive behavioral therapy, lists all the benefits.
Physical benefits
- Less tension: Although constant worry occurs mentally, it has profound effects on the body, creating a constant background of muscle tension, especially in the neck and shoulders.
- More energy: The resulting stress constantly activates the fight-flight-freeze response, which is truly debilitating. By worrying less, that stress could be used productively.
- Better sleep: Less worry equals a more restful night.
- Less nervousness: Reduced anxiety lets the nervous system relax, leaving the body’s constant state of alert behind.
Mental benefits
- More space for thinking: What would you think if your mind wasn’t constantly full of anxious thoughts? We will come to this realization only when we stop worrying so much.
- Greater comfort with uncertainty: Anxiety is defined as the difficulty of facing the unknown. So when we worry less, we are more able to embrace the uncertain future.
- Easier decision making: Good judgment is clouded by anxious thoughts so it’s hard to make choices, sometimes even about simple things like what to wear. A clearer mind leads to clearer thinking and easier decision making.
- Better Concentration: Likewise with decision-making, and concentration becomes better when worry is not constantly stealing our attention.
- Increased creativity: Less worry creates room for flexibility and creative thinking as our thinking is clearer.
Wellness
- Less irritability: When we are anxious, it is difficult to be patient and pleasant. By worrying less, our relationship with others also improves. And better relationships mean one less thing to worry about.
- Greater enjoyment of life: The ultimate reward from worrying less is that life just gets better. Constant worry is a heavy burden.
How to worry less
Although getting rid of the stress of thoughts is not the easiest thing, the psychologist reveals the steps that will give us freedom, joy and a sense of greater ease.
Step 1. Question the usefulness of worrying
Sometimes we feel that when we think about something constantly, it helps us to solve our problems or to be prepared. Most of the time, however, worrying offers no advantage.
Step 2. Bring your consciousness back to the present
Mindfulness practice can ground thinking in the “now.” Allow your sensory experiences to help you focus on what is happening right now. Feel your feet hitting the ground and your body sitting in the chair.
Step 3. Accept what you fear
Do not try to solve all your worries – because quite simply it is futile. Instead, accept that what you’re worried about can happen. Recognize the limits of what you control, though, and should your concern come true, you’ll handle it with the strength and determination that brought you here.