Now that we are done with the festive season, it’s back to business as usual! Worry may be creeping in about bills, your on-going struggles or how you are going to achieve your 2020 goals.

Big newsflash! Worry is not your friend! At first glance it may seem like it is as it gives you a false sense of showing concern for the future.  In actual fact, worry can deplete your ability to think creatively thus impeding on your chances of taking action and finding a solution.

At best, worry makes you irritable, keeps you up night or pushes you to take decisive action. At worst excessive or chronic worrying prompt your mind and body into overdrive as you constantly focus on “what might happen” coupled with feelings of doom and despair.  Worry can also interfere with your job performance, appetite, lifestyle habits and relationships.

When faced with challenging circumstances, the alternative to worry is to think critically about how to resolve the issue; employ coping mechanisms that don’t involve others (e.g. prayer and meditation or replacing a negative worrisome thought with a funny thought); emotional support from a trusted friend or relative (someone you can be authentic with) and; being responsible and accountable for what actions you choose to take (or not take); be real about where you are at.

“Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow, it only saps today of its joy.”

Leo.F.Buscaglia

Refuse to let worry be your companion, don’t give it permanent residence in the house of your mind. At the same time, don’t be denial if you find yourself worrying at times; do some introspection and get to the root of it. Be aware when worry sneaks in and take the necessary steps to deal with it before it takes over you.