Is Your Worry Unfounded?

Worrying is a natural part of life, and it’s common to fret about things like financial security, health, and relationships. However, as the American humorist Erma Bombeck once said, “Worry is like a rocking chair: it gives you something to do but never gets you anywhere.” While some worry can be productive, helping us prepare for life’s challenges, excessive worrying can become a mental health issue. Our imaginations can spiral out of control, turning innocent “what-if” scenarios into debilitating fears that impact our mood, health, and well-being.

The truth is, most of our worries never come to pass. In fact, studies show that over 91% of worry predictions don’t come true. When we take inventory of our past worries, we often realize that we worried for nothing. Even when our fears do materialize, they’re often not as bad as we anticipated. The key is to be rational and not let our imaginations run wild. The next time you find yourself worrying, ask yourself if the anxiety is warranted or if you’re overreacting. Remember, if you stop worrying, it’ll be one less thing you have to worry about. By recognizing the patterns of our worries and taking a step back to assess their validity, we can break free from the cycle of unnecessary fear and anxiety, and focus on living in the present moment.