Worry can get you sick!

Do you get sick with worry? Yes, it’s is a literal description of what having an anxious attitude can do to your body! Worry is one of the worst, and most ineffective things you do to yourself!

Worry is like prepaying a toll for a bridge you never cross-

Why is worry so bad? Because you put your body through the experience of the event, even though the event is not happening! Your body doesn’t know if it’s your imagination or reality. Think about how you can wake up with your heart pounding from a nightmare. It’s just your dream, but your heart is responding like the monster is just about to catch you!

FEAR = False  Evidence  Appearing  Real

Worrying doesn’t change what might happen. It’s like you are looking at a negative crystal ball about the future. Instead of focusing on being present, right now, your mind is in the imagined, fearful place in the future. Instead of focusing on what positive potential outcomes could be a result, you are thinking negatively about what “might” occur. Your attitude is one of negativity and pessimism. 

Next time you start worrying, check in with your body. You’ll probably realize that you have a worried look on your face. If you are a chronic worrier, you can actually start creating wrinkles! Do you feel a tension in your shoulders, neck, or even your back? Your body never lies. Sometimes just doing a body scan can tell you that you’ve been worrying and have anxiety about something. Pay attention to your body language. If you have lots of aches and pains, it’s time to understand why! What are you thinking about?

stretch your arms at 45% angles to relieve tension

Do yourself a favor. Instead of worrying, use the fastest method of releasing anxiety and fear. Practice gratitude. Get out of your chair (you’re probably sitting). Take a big stretch upward, and then reach your arms out at 45% angles. This actually changes your mood! (this is called a feedback loop). Take a slow in breath, and then increase the time for your exhale to about twice as long as your inhale. Then think about something in your life for which you can be grateful. Picture it, like you are in a dream and experience the wonderful feeling.

You’ve just improved your mood, released worry, anxiety and fear for that time, but improved your health! Keep practicing until you can turn off the worry and spend your time in a way that attracts more happiness, and turns off the worry!