3 Ways to Overcome Worry

I’m a chronic worrier. I’ve spent many overwhelmed days with thoughts of imaginary circumstances raining down on my kids, our current political climate, my health taking a nosedive… the list is endless.

And now I have the rapidly approaching birth of my first grandchild! Where will I find the time to add all of her possibilities to those constant dark thoughts?

Can you relate? Do you spend an obscene amount of time trapped in unwanted scenarios? Let’s talk about some ways we can break free from those moments and enjoy more peace today.

Worrying is praying for stuff you don’t want.
~Jen Sincero

I heard Jen speak those words on a podcast once and it stopped me dead in my tracks. That thought has haunted me ever since. I don’t want to bring these doomsday scenarios down on the people I love.

So here are 3 ways I’m finding freedom. I hope they serve you as well.

1. Bring your worries into the light

I’m an introvert, so my natural instinct is to keep all my thoughts buried deep inside that spinning head of mine. This is not at all how we were created. We’re meant to help carry each other’s burdens.

Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.
-Galatians 6:2 (NLT)

I have a great group of girlfriends. We try to meet a couple of times a month to chat and go through a study together. Our current book is Anxious for Nothing by Max Lucado.

We had our first meeting for this much needed guide last week. All of our worries were literally brought to the table from our dark minds into the light of that bright morning. We all felt some pretty intense stress as we uncovered our hidden fears.

But here’s the beautiful part, I feel so much better today after sharing all those scary mom thoughts with friends I trust and adore.

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.
-Ecclesiastes 4: 9-10, 12 (NLT)

If you don’t have a trusted friend to work through this with, a therapist is certainly an alternative. Just get those thoughts somewhere outside of your head. It’s far too easy to stay stuck when we let our worries stay deep within us.

Satan loves to work in our dark corners. Please don’t allow him that satisfaction.

Related posts:
Replace Worry with God’s Promises
How to Stop Obsessively Worrying about Your Kids

2. Tapping/Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)

Tapping, also known as EFT, came into my life several years ago. Like so many great resources I’ve acquired over time, I haven’t used this as I should. I tend to self-sabotage quite often.

Anyway, this technique is a series of tapping on certain points of your body. While doing this, speak out loud about what’s bothering you. It starts with a setup statement such as “Even though I feel overwhelmed with worry about ___, I deeply and completely accept myself.”

Next you move through the points, first stating all the negative you’re feeling, then switch to positive thoughts. It truly works like a charm for me. I’m now using an app to help me do this consistently and I already see a huge difference.

For more information, visit The Tapping Solution. You can also read about one of my favorite EFT books in Tapping Your Way to Stress-Free Living.

3. Aromatherapy

We all know the incredibly positive effect of smells. Does the memory of your grandmother’s freshly baked cookies or your newborn baby’s freshly bathed skin bring a smile to your face? This is thanks to a deep connection between scent and emotions.

From Emotional Benefits of Aromatherapy, a dōTERRA ebook:
“In the early 1990s, substantial research helped biologists better understand how the brain reacts to aromas. This research proved what people of ancient civilizations had already put into practice—essential oils can be used to create responses within the body, particularly to benefit and influence emotions. Although the science of emotions still holds significant mystery, we know that there is a connection between scent and emotions. Because of this connection, we also know that aromatherapy is a useful tool for managing emotions and uplifting mood.”

Here are 3 blissful blends I’m loving right now!

Liquid Calm: 2 drops of each: Vetiver, Serenity*, Balance* (for my rollerball recipe of this blend, check out 4 Steps to Your Best Sleep Ever)

Grounded in Peace: 2 drops of each: Peace*, Balance*, Juniper Berry

Perfectly Peaceful: 3 drops Peace*, 2 drops Ylang Ylang, 1 drop Whisper*

*dōTERRA blends. For more info on these powerful natural solutions, how to get started, and current specials, please visit my Essential Oils page.

Are you a fellow worrier? What are your favorite ways to move past those overwhelming thoughts? I would love to hear from you in the comment section below.

As always, thank you for walking this journey with me. If you’re new here, please subscribe to our free newsletter to receive new posts by email.