When Worry Takes Over Our Lives
We live in a society that is more fast-paced and stressful than ever before. As a whole, people are working longer hours, creating busier schedules, and have the constant need to feel ‘connected’ in some way, because staying out of the loop can make us feel lost and alone. Throw in the commonalities of friendships, family, romantic relationships, and personal feelings, and it’s no wonder we’re a world of worriers! In fact, in a study done in 2015 by Marie Claire, 86% of adults considered themselves to be a worrier. That is a staggering statistic.
Why Are We Worried?
In that same study, most people responded that technology, including things like smart phones, were the biggest cause of worries. That might sound silly, coming from devices that are supposed to make our lives easier, but think about it this way: How often do you carry your phone with you? How often do you check it? Do you feel an attachment to it? There’s probably a good chance the answers to those questions can create a pretty clear-cut picture of our society’s dependency on technology, and just how much it can stress us out.
Other common worries include things like work, finances, relationships, health, safety, schedule conflicts, etc. The list is truly endless when it comes to things people worry about, and as a result, we’re becoming a world that is more dependent on stress-relieving techniques than ever before. Unfortunately, worry can also link itself to health issues, including ulcers, weight gain, etc.
Combatting Worry
While it doesn’t seem like smart phones, or any aspect of technology is going to go away anytime soon, and we can’t push away every detail of our lives to provide us with a clear-headed, worriless state, there are options when it comes to fighting back against worry, and not letting it consume your life.
One good idea is to try and eliminate one or two major stressors from your life. You may be surprised at how quickly they can build up, and taking even something minor out of the equation can be a big difference.
Another option is to find something that relaxes you, and do it as often as you can, on a schedule, so you don’t allow yourself to ignore it. It could be hitting the gym, meditation, a coffee date with yourself, a stroll in the park, etc. This should be a time and activity where you don’t allow yourself to focus on anything but what you’re doing in that very moment.
Unfortunately, worry can seem out of control at times, and if that happens to be the case in your life, things like therapy are always an option. Just being able to talk to someone professional, someone who will listen, and offer their solid advice, can work wonders when it comes to lessening worry. Clearly, you’re not alone if you find yourself in a worrisome state, but hopefully, if more people follow tips like these and recognize the unhealthy nature of worrying, it can be something we can fight back against as a society, instead of individually.
Alice Shepard, Ph.D. of Mirielle Therapy Practice specializes in Women and Relationships Therapy NYC, helping early and mid-career stage women who are looking to make important changes in their lives. Issues that are at the core of ones’ identity can be so painful when they are not going well. Concerns about dating, love, friendships, work, family, loss, or health can generate intense feelings of sadness, worry, insecurity, and stress.
