13 Sep How to massively and instantly reduce worry and stress
So, I had this realisation today.
It’s something I really “should” know, but like many, something I don’t do nearly as well as I could.
Just as I found I needed a reminder of this simple but powerful stress busting / happiness boosting strategy, I thought you might too.
What is this hack?
Well, I was reflecting on a number of stressors, things about which I’ve been worrying lately and I realised that most of them fell into two categories. They were either (1) things that didn’t really matter or (2) things that would never really change.
That is, I was worrying about stuff that I’d most likely not even remember in 5 days or 5 weeks or most definitely, 5 months. And/or I was worrying about stuff that would just always be there, for whatever reason.
Either way, my worry was serving absolutely no purpose at all (except from undermining my happiness and maximising my distress!).
Not surprisingly, it didn’t take me long at all to realise, or to remember, that neither of these are very helpful or healthy.
But the good news is there are some simple things I already know how to do, and if relevant, you can also learn how to do, to significantly and quickly worry less.
And these are …
Firstly, next time you find yourself stressing or worrying, ask yourself, how bad is this really? Or how bad will it seem in 5 days, 5 weeks etc?
If you don’t think you’ll be that impacted or upset by something in the near to medium future then it really doesn’t deserve any of your attention for more than 5 minutes!
Secondly, ask yourself whether this will ever change?
Again, if not, it doesn’t deserve any of your attention except maybe in the form of radical acceptance. Accepting that which is isn’t giving in, it’s a positive and active coping strategy that brings massive benefits.
Oh, and another thing … on top of all this, if you’re interested in not just being less upset but also, being more happy, then bring in some gratitude. The simple practice of gratitude and acceptance is one of the easiest and most powerful ways to boost happiness and positivity.
So, there you have it. I know these sorts of things are never as easy as they sound but they are possible; and with practice and perseverance they do work!