How to Stop Worrying So Much
We only have so much energy in a day. And yet, many of us spend too much of it worrying. Whether it be about the future, about what people think, about whether we’re “doing enough,” or daily life struggles.
Worrying feels like being busy, but it doesn’t move us forward. We’re constantly trying to find the “right” solution, the best solution, instead of actually taking action. All that does is leave us drained and confused.
Instead, why not redirect that same energy toward things that nurture your soul and help you grow? You’ll find a sense of peace and purpose that worrying could never give you.
Recognize where your energy is going
Worry often sneaks in quietly. Maybe you catch yourself overthinking a conversation, stressing about the unknowns in your future, or comparing yourself to someone else’s timeline.
These moments may feel small, but they add up.
A good first step is simply noticing: What am I giving my energy to right now? Does it help me, or is it holding me back?
Shift focus to what nurtures you
Instead of pouring all your energy into “what ifs,” redirect it into the things that bring you closer to who you want to be.
What are your dreams?
What ideas or goals have you been putting off? Even the little ones you’ve tucked away for “someday.” The ones that don’t make sense to anyone, but still live in your mind waiting to fully emerge.
Those are worth chasing. Stop letting fear dictate your decisions. Allow yourself to at least try and discover what you are passionate about.
How do you express yourself?
Give yourself permission to play! Write, paint, cook, or build without judgment. Creativity isn’t just about producing something perfect, it’s about giving your imagination space to breathe.
Think about how children create: they don’t worry about whether their painting will end up in a gallery or if their story will make sense to anyone else. They simply enjoy the moment.
Let Yourself Rest
Make time to rest, reflect, and care for your body and mind. When you rest, you’re not stepping away from growth, you’re fueling it.
It’s okay to slow down. Enjoy a quiet walk, journal your thoughts, or simply sit in silence with your favorite cup of tea. These little pauses give your nervous system a chance to reset and your mind space to reflect.
Kick-start your motivation and further discover yourself with the Mood & Motivation Journal.
Let go of the pressure to have it all figured out
Life is not meant to be mapped out perfectly. You don’t need to have every answer right now, and you don’t need to solve every problem before it happens.
Sometimes, the most powerful choice you can make is to pause, breathe, and remind yourself that uncertainty does not mean failure.
Replace worry with belief
Every time worry tells you “you’re not enough,” answer back with belief: “I am enough.”
When doubt tries to convince you that you can’t handle what’s ahead, gently remind yourself that you’ve already survived every hard day before this one. And you will get through this one as well.
Trust that you are strong enough to keep going, even without a perfect plan.
Take it little by little
Healing, growing, and building a meaningful life doesn’t happen overnight.
Know that the small and steady steps are worth it. Little by little, day by day, you’ll notice the weight of your worries loosening and your confidence rising.
You don’t need to carry every worry. You don’t need to figure out every answer. You just need to keep showing up, keep choosing what nurtures you, and keep believing in yourself.
Because you are enough, you just have to believe it.
*I am NOT a professional. I can only speak from my own mental health journey, everyone copes differently. However, I’ve found it most helpful to stay consistent in recognizing my own needs. I’ve written several other posts with some helpful tips for alleviating your struggles.
MORE MENTAL HEALTH ARTICLES:
The Power of Journaling for Emotional Clarity
The Difference Between Laziness, Lack of Motivation, and Depression]