When you’re heading into another busy week it can come feelings of anxiety knowing there are extra things you need to do. While not all anxiety is detrimental to your well being, constant anxiety can lead to headaches, increased moodiness and insomnia.
Here are a few suggestions you can use to overcome the toxic kind of anxiety and improve your overall health and productivity:
- Learn to Unclutter Your Mind
A cluttered mind is an anxious mind. An uncluttered mind has room to hear God’s voice and experience his presence. Like Martha, in Luke’s Gospel, our minds can be filled with all kinds of demands and deadlines. Like Mary, we need to make the choice to clear out the junk and make space for our Lord and his wisdom, peace, and love.
- Seek Peace through Prayer
In Philippians 4:6-7 NLT, Paul says, “Don’t worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”
Make a list telling God exactly what you need. Then make another list of things God has done for which you are grateful. Give God both lists, resting and trusting in him to be with you and guide you throughout the day.
- Gather a Team
Maybe you need to hire someone to clean your home, tend your garden, or deal with your bookkeeping for a few hours each week. Find people who share your values and are willing to lend a hand.
- Stay Connected
Being connected to people who will encourage you is critical in managing toxic worry. Whether you talk to a co-worker, a loved one or caring friend, you will feel better verbalizing your frustrations and concerns to a good listener rather than stewing over them alone.
- Let Go of Your Agenda
A desire to control your life and make things happen according to your timetable leads to more tension, stress, and exhaustion. Instead of holding tightly to your agenda, choose to surrender it all to God.
