"Worry doesn't help tomorrow's troubles, but it does ruin today's happiness." ~ Unknown

You feel it creeping up on you like a bad dream. With one small thought, it starts in the pit of your stomach as a flutter and quickly builds momentum to debilitating fear. You can't move. You can't breathe. You're caught in a trap, held hostage from your life ...

Why do we worry? Why do we spend so much time thinking about the worst possible outcome of a situation, only to realize that our fears were completely unfounded? Why do we entertain those cursed "what ifs"?

- What if I get into a car accident?
- What if I lose my job?
- What if I lose my house?
- What if I get sick and can't pay the bills?
- What if my husband/wife leaves me?
- What if I fail?

There are 2 outcomes from worrying:

1. You've worried for nothing because your worst worry didn't come true;

2. You've worried so much that your worst worry did come true.

In either scenario, you've wasted so much precious time and happiness on worrying. You've made yourself miserable and undoubtedly many people around you.

Worrying is a learned behavior - a habitual way of thinking and being. If you understand the Law of Attraction, consider that your constant worrying may actually bring about that which you're worrying about. If that doesn't stop you in your tracks, then what I'm about to share won't help you.

Our Worries

The majority of what we worry about we have no control over because it involves other people or situations. You can't change other people or make things happen when it involves anyone other than you. This is wasted worry time.

Another major topic of worry falls into the "needless" category. This includes what other people think of us, what's for dinner, what to wear, being late, arguments and conflict that hasn't happened....you get the picture.

Less than 5% of what we worry about are things that we have control over.

"There is a great difference between worry and concern. A worried person sees a problem, and a concerned person solves a problem." ~ Harold Stephensns

Breaking Free & Reclaiming Your Life

Considering that time is the one commodity that you can't buy, rent, trade or borrow more of, doesn't it make sense to reclaim as much of this asset as you can? How do you do that? Take a different approach to your worries:

1. Release Worries That You Have No Control Over

Have you ever been worried about a loved one that is seriously ill or has been in an accident? This is an example of having no control over the outcome. Does it lesson your worry knowing this? Probably not. However, given that you have 2 choices of what to think (worry or positive belief), consider choosing to believe that all will be well. This will make you feel better and will send out positive energy to the other person.

2. Confront Your Worry Head-On

For those situations that you do have control over, you have the power to solve the problem that keeps you awake with worry. Confront the problem head on. What are some possible solutions? Just putting yourself into problem-solving mode will remove or lesson your anxiety.

3. Take Action

You've just brainstormed some solutions. If a decision needs to be made, make it. It's likely that after you make a decision, some kind of action is required. Take that first step toward your solution. You'll find that what you were worrying about was not worth your time after all. Action is the antidote to fear and worry.

4. Relax

Worry creates an incredible amount of tension in your body. Tension and stress when given free reign can lead to illness. Making a conscious effort to relax is one of the simplest ways to banish your worries. Practice deep breathing by closing your eyes and taking long deep breaths for a couple of minutes. Clear your mind of worries and repeat "relax" to yourself. In just a few short minutes you'll feel the tension leave your body.

5. Write It Out

Journaling is one the best therapeutic tools available to us. Write out what you're worrying about and all your possible solutions. Pour your heart out on the pages. This is equivalent to sharing with a good friend except you avoid having someone affirm your fears - which of course keeps you in worry mode. As you begin writing you'll find that your worries aren't as serious as you think. You'll feel better and be ready to move on.

6. Take Care of Yourself

Get enough sleep, eat healthy food, drink lots of water and get exercise. What does this have to do with worry? A healthy body is better equipped to cope with the unexpected, thinks creatively, and has stronger mental power. Which brings us to....

7. Engage Your Brain

We have remarkable 'thinking' power. In fact, we're discovering just how much our thoughts create our reality. When you find yourself worrying, immediately change that worry to thoughts of the best possible outcome. Distract your brain by submerging yourself in positive books, audios, and programs or listen to music that makes you feel good. You can only hold one thought at a time - choose an empowering one over one that doesn't make you feel good.

Like learning to ride a bike, this may seem awkward at first. Very soon though it will become a habitual way of thinking that helps you break free of the worry cycle and reclaim your life.