Worry is a dreadful word, not only in definition but in truth. We all worry, probably numerous times per day. We worry about kids, bills, job performance, being on time, getting things done, our health and so many other concerns. But did you know that worry causes many of your health problems?

How many of you toss and turn, all night because you are worried about the tasks for tomorrow? Or about your kids driving at night? How about your financial concerns about getting the bills paid? Do you toss and turn all night because you are worried about the pain, you are feeling and automatically think it’s cancer? Worry consumes us, every day, but it is how we respond to the worry that affects us.

According to WebMD, worry causes a plethora of health concerns when you can’t shake it. Every time you worry you release stress hormones, which affect your nervous system causing an increased heart rate and blood sugar levels. It causes tension in your shoulders and neck, migraines and tension headaches. The devastating effects on your heart are profound, causing high blood pressure, faster beats, inflamed blood vessels, and eventually a heart attack. It causes a decrease in your immune response, leading to more colds, flu and viruses. How about those stomach issues, many of you are feeling, like that imminent run to the bathroom, acid reflux, constipation or ulcers? It can cause depression, anxiety issues and eventually land you in a hospital bed. Worry is worrisome to your health (how about that pun on words), and you need to find a way to bury it – NOW!

I find solace from worry with prayer, meditation and a notebook. I know when I begin to worry because I toss and turn all night – waking up several times a night. Sometimes, I find myself worrying about something that MUST get done tomorrow. So I have found that putting a notebook on my night table, to be very useful. Once I write it down, I feel at ease and can go to bed. Why? Because it’s written on my list. So it’s mundane, but how about the worry of your bills? How many of you toss and turn all night, worrying about how you will pay your mortgage next month? I imagine this could cause a lot of tossing and turning, in fact, the effects of not paying your mortgage could be devastating. So how do you fix this worry? Well for starters, begin mindfulness training to help you sleep. This mindfulness sleep training will help bring your mind to the present moment and focus on the moment. It will help you settle your mind, to begin a peaceful sleep. We all need a good night’s sleep to bring us optimal health. With optimal health comes the right mindset to help you focus on a plan of action to pay your mortgage. But this plan of action should be done during your awake hours, not those dedicated to sleeping. Remember – a good night’s sleep leads to better performance during the day. Find a way to sleep better, naturally! It’s your gift to you.

Although, I am no ‘Worry Expert’, I have faced many sleepless nights caused by worry. Yes, many of those sleepless night’s may have been, and are still occasionally caused by the big M (menopause – a blog for another day) but the worry facet has left the bed. I practice mindfulness meditation every morning, by either listening to a 10 minute mindfulness session or in complete silence, to help me focus on the present. This has helped me tremendously. When I hit that bed at night, I’m out. I do however wake up around 4:30 am everyday, and lie in bed to pray, and practice my daily mindfulness training. Sure, I still have worry, who doesn’t? But it’s how you deal with that worry that helps lead to a happier, and healthier you. So try practicing some mindfulness training now – you can find many on Youtube. Here is one that I like… (put your earphones on an listen for a better experience)

I hope you enjoyed that session, and can begin a regular practice of losing the worry. Youtube has many focused on sleeping, that are truly beneficial and can help you have a more restful sleep, without the worry or the meds.

What does the bible say about worry?

“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? Matthew 6:25-27

For daily inspiration to lead a happier life, follow my blog. You can also find me on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheRoad2Happiness

Peace!