Have you ever worried yourself sick about something, and later realized that once the issue was resolved worrying did not solve the problem? Yes? Yes. Worrying never solves the problem. In fact, it only creates more problems for you.

See, here’s the issue with worrying: it harms your body and distracts you from living your purpose with joy and vitality. Biologically, worrying negatively impacts your immune system and can trigger a decline in your health. Also, when you worry, all attempts at having a peace of mind are over. You make yourself miserable and attract more misery into your life. Furthermore, while you are busy worrying, you are also busy NOT living a purpose-filled life because your energy is headed in another direction. It goes like this:

If you stay focused on worrying thoughts, then negative feelings result, followed by life-limiting actions. But, when you choose not to worry and focus on what is good in your life, you open yourself to positive feelings and life-expanding actions.

Now here’s the thing: the art of not worrying is a practice. You must be deliberate about practicing this art, or you will worry yourself to death—literally! So how can you practice this art? There are many ways, but here are 3 simple things you can start doing right now.

1.     Balanced Breathing

The stress from worrying upsets your nervous system which can lead to a host of health issues. However, you can combat this in the moment by connecting to your breath—meaning conscious breathing. There are a host of techniques to choose from. Here is one from Dr. Andrew Weil—the 4-7-8 technique. Give it a try right now and see how you feel. I guarantee you’ll begin feeling more balanced.

2.     Mantra Meditation

Connecting to your breath is a wonderful process and adding a mantra can kick it up for calming your nervous system. A mantra is simply a word or phrase that you consistently repeat for a set period of time. You can create your mantra, lift it from a favorite piece of text, or find one online. Here’s an example of one: “I have peace.” You could boil it down even further to simply “peace.” Mentally repeat the mantra as you connect to your breath for two to five minutes and see how much more peaceful you feel.

3.     Victory-minded Volunteering

Worrying brings a mindset of defeat that results in life-draining actions. You can change this by giving of yourself through volunteering. Find a local cause that you align with and give your time. Biologically, your actions shift how you feel and how you think. Volunteering helps you to change your mindset from one of defeat to one of victory. Do it. You’ll see.

Worrying is life-draining. Worrying depletes you of your well-being. Worrying robs you of precious moments that could be applied to pursuing or living your purpose. Rather than worry about the future, attend to this present moment by working with your breath, your focus and your altruistic actions to grow your internal power. Growing in your internal power by focusing on the the present moment and what you can be doing NOW, adds energy to your life and is a blessing to yourself and others.

So, don’t ever worry.

This Sunday’s Sweet Inspiration was inspired by Matthew 6:25-34, the God’s Word Translation of the bible.

My new mini-book, The Wellness-Purpose Connection™continues the conversation on pursuing your life-expanding activities. To discover more now, click here.