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Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Worry Wart

....or is it Worry WORT?

Whatever it is, I am one.

I had a good talk with my dad this weekend on my way to St. Louis about my anxiety. I worry about money, I worry about finding someone, I worry about school (now), I worry about what other people think (all.the.time)....well, you get my drift.

My dad worked a pretty high stress job for 34 years, and was able to retire 4 years ago. Let me just tell you, the man is a COMPLETELY different guy from his working days. He's so carefree...he's like a little kid!

He gave me one good suggestion - he suggested I keep a little notebook with me and write down all of the things I worry about throughout the day. At the end of the day, I'll look and see what things I worried about that I no longer have to - maybe it's getting laundry done, or having enough time to get somewhere. And then look at the things that are more long-term (like school, job, etc.). Then estimate how much time I've wasted throughout the day worrying about random sh!t.

So yesterday morning, I got my little notebook and I started. Let me just tell you - I'd written down 3 things within ten minutes of waking! And this was my day OFF from work. LOL.

I kept jotting things down but I only made it till about noon before I stopped. I seriously had written down 20 things!

So it got me to thinking...I think I just need to be more organized about things. I LOVE to-do lists, but my problem is that I'm a may-juh procrastinator and half the things don't get done, so I just give up.

I think I'm going to start making a daily to-do list (also at the suggestion of my dad...apparently he should be my free therapist now?) and list things that need to be done soon at the top, and things that don't need to be done as quickly at the bottom.

Hopefully this will help....I think about all the time I've spent worrying in my life about STUPID stuff - I mean, I've probably spent weeks of my life worrying if you'd add it all up! It's just silly to live that way, ya know?

What about you? Are you a worrier? How do you deal with anxiety? Are you a to-do-lister?

12 comments:

Kim said...

I am the same way - I make a to-do list every day at work. The thing is, it keeps getting longer and longer! Be careful! The to-do list can make you feel guilty!

I often sit in meetings, thinking about all of the things I need to get done. It's hard for me not to feel stressed and overworked. It's something I've been trying to figure out for a long time.

I think writing your worries down is a good idea though! It will make them seem more manageable!

Anonymous said...

My post just disappeared, but I was going to say, I love that idea your dad had! I know journaling has helped me so much -- been doing it almost every day since 7th grade!

My worry-wart tendencies are perfectionist manifestations usually related to two things. 1) anxiety over things I can't control but want to control 2) pre-empting conversations I don't want to have, tasks I don't want to do ... Sigh!

Therapy helped me understand the benefits of being an anxious person (close attention to detail; I'm a good listener; good student/employee) but sometimes I just wanna BE and can't!

Anonymous said...

I am SUCH a to-do lister! I think it helps with anxiety to get it on paper, then I don't have to worry about forgetting to do it, it's there for me to check off.

Kristen Mullane said...

I make to-do lists too. It's gratifying to cross things off and feel productive. There's a certain sense of peace that you're taking control of some aspects of your life. I think by journaling everything, it'll help you see what you can and can't control and put things in perspective.

If you write down and cross off the things you CAN control, I think that'll help take some of the anxiety out of the things you can't.

Peanut Butter Swirl said...

aww your dad sounds like he gave you great advice! I hope your anxiety is reduced asap so you have live life peacefully :)

R3 Method Show said...

I used to be a chronic worrier, but I've found that it never solved a solution. Being at peace and enjoying each moment did allow solutions to come easily.

Anonymous said...

I have tons of to do lists at all times. I love them. They help keep me sane :)

- Sagan

Nicole said...

I'm the exact same way. I worry constantly. Sometimes i worry so much i have panic attacks. My dad is the same way though. When school starts next week, i will get super stressed with that, working and trying to run so much. OMG im worrying now just typing. We can help eachother though! Maybe start a worry free email? :)

Emily said...

I'm a horrible worrier too! You are not alone!! I worry about my health, my family/friends/dogs health, trees falling on my house, money, swine flu, weight issues, laundry, the list could go on forever...

A year ago when I was planning my wedding, I was having panic attacks and had to go see a doctor about it!!

One thing that has helped is www.todoist.com Kath uses it and I finally broke down and use it everyday! It can be a little tricky to set up, but I'd be more than happy to help you anytime! I could get on facebook and chat you through it. Just let me know!! It's great for type A-ers! :)

I think aromatherapy could be a good idea too! Maybe go to aveda and treat yourself to a nice lotion or even some oils to put in a defuser...

Robin said...

I am so much like you in so many ways!! Definitely a worry wart too - about everything. I have to recommend those books again - totally helped me. The Power of Now is about focusing on this moment because if you start focusing on the future that's when worry and anxiety set in. It's hard to explain but it totally made sense. It doesn't mean you can't plan for the future - it just gives you a different way to look at things. But you're definitely not alone!

Anonymous said...

I try not to worry about stuff when I don't have to. Maybe it's because my mother used to be such a worrier and I always promised myself I would never sweat the little stuff like she did.

But even though I don't consider myself a worrier I will say I stress about work more than I probably should...

Zandria said...

I have a friend who I always get onto about worrying too much. "Just don't think about it," I say. "If you spend time worrying and then it doesn't come to pass, you just wasted a lot of time. Worry about it if it DOES happen!"

But I know that's easier said that done. Still, I think your dad's advice is good. Try it!