Worry time

Thinking about something can be a step towards solving some dilemma and simply banishing the thought might not help solve the problem.

If this is the case, we can make time to worry.

Over-worrying isn’t helpful. Sometimes we need to make time to both think about something and to make sure we have worry-free time.

Start by asking yourself: ‘What's a reasonable amount of time to think about my problems?’ For example you might decide that 20 minutes of worry each day is enough.

Make sure you identify a clear 20-minute period each day when you’ll do nothing but worry. Sit down with a clock, and worry as much as you need to for the allotted time. When time's up, say ‘STOP’ to yourself, and go do something different. You might even want to do something nice, to reward yourself for such hard worry work!