• Twitter Social Icon
  • Wix Facebook page
  • Instagram Social Icon

CLEVER | CLASSY | CONFIDENT 

  • FEATURES

  • OKW MAGAZINES

  • CONTACT US

  • ABOUT US

  •  

    Always Anxious?

    5 Ways To Stop Excessive Worry...and Start Enjoying Your Family

    A recent survey revealed that over half of polled mothers were “obsessed” with concerns about their children.

    I will admit it. In my filing cabinet, hidden behind medical records, I have a folder on the AFM virus, just in case. I have always been a worrier, but when I became a mother, my fretting reached crippling new heights. Suddenly, I panicked over perceived threats like terrorism, school shootings, abductions, and rare childhood diseases.

    I know that I am not alone. When I share my unease with other moms, they give me a knowing, sympathetic nod. We’re all struggling under the weight of bearing responsibility for the children we love more than anything. At the same time, we suspect our anxiety is inching toward excessive levels.

    HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH?

    A parent’s worry is instinctual and essential. We have a sixth sense about our kids’ well-being because it helps us to keep them safe. So we don’t want to silence our worries. But there is an important distinction between what's constructive and what's toxic. Dr. Edward Hallowell, author of Worry: Controlling It And Using It Wisely explains, “When worry becomes toxic, it ceases to serve as the built-in alarm system nature meant it to be and instead becomes a painful problem.”

    Most experts agree that worry is destructive if it causes regular emotional distress or interferes with daily functioning. Fixating on ‘what ifs’ and worst-case scenarios is a red flag. Such rumination can turn an innocent concern into something worse. For example, the worry ‘my child is struggling with homework,’ could morph into ‘my child is not at grade level.’ A ruminating parent could then move to ‘he’ll never get into a decent college,’ and end up with ‘I’m not a good enough parent.’

    SHORT AND LONG-TERM CONSEQUENCES

    Although many of us hope that a good dose of worry staves off disaster, the opposite is true. Misplaced worry can severely affect our health, our self-esteem, our productivity, and our family's well-being. Even worse, experts warn that chronic worriers can pass an anxious outlook to their kids. How you live will influence how your children live, explains Cindi McMenamin author of 10 Secrets To Becoming A Worry-Free Mom.

    “What you worry about, they will worry about too."

    A BREAKABLE CYCLE

    “It’s vital to understand that chronic worry is a habit, which, with conscious effort, can be broken,” says Dr. Beverly Potter, author of The Worry Wart’s Companion. Although breaking this cycle may take effort, the results are worth it. Women who learn the live now / worry later approach (used by many men) suffer much lower rates of depression than overthinking women.

    HERE ARE FIVE TIPS THAT MAY HELP

    1. Define the Real Issue

    When concerns spiral out of control, identify what you’re truly worried about. Our darkest fears stem from scenarios that may never materialize. Rather than imagining vague, bleak outcomes, identify the specific concern at play. Once you define it, take action and move on.

    2. Regain Control

    A perceived lack of control fuels worries. Instead of being paralyzed by fear, seek reliable information to determine if fears are rational. If they are, take manageable steps toward a solution. For example, address concerns about your child’s academic performance by finding one immediate action, like setting up an appointment with his teacher or guidance counselor.

    3. Reach Out

    Avoid worrying alone. Share concerns with your spouse, a trusted friend, or family member who can help with perspective. If no one is immediately available, ask what your most trusted confidant would say.

    4. Find Productive Distractions

    If you continue to dwell, lose yourself in comforting activities like knitting, reading, or a good movie. Exercise, yoga, and meditation are also excellent options. Exercise relieves stress and releases endorphins that enhance physical and emotional well-being. Yoga reprograms your body to relax while meditation encourages your mind to follow.

    5. Surrender

    Once you’ve identified, shared, and addressed your worries, the last healthy step is to let go. Hand your concerns to the universe or a higher power. There are many ways to accomplish this. Suggestions are praying, meditating, or watching journal pages burn. Trusting in wise, compassionate intervention releases the worries that no longer serve you.

    Changing the worry habit takes continuous effort and self-policing, but

    even small amounts of self-awareness yield noticeable results.

    Yesterday, not only did I allow my kids to play in the rain, but I joined them. Although I was tempted to worry about their health, my floors, and our dinner, I allowed myself to enjoy the moment. My kids were thrilled, and in the end, all was well. I now realize that my compulsive worry was an attempt to prevent anything from ruining moments like this. How ironic that if I had worried a little less, I might have had it all along.

    Author Shannon Dean is the mother of two sons who are thankfully not chronic worriers.


    • ARTICLES
    Featured Posts
    Cover Story - Passion at its Finest

    Cover Story - Passion at its Finest

    HOPE in the Face of Addiction

    HOPE in the Face of Addiction

    Kick Up Your Heels!

    Kick Up Your Heels!

    Spring Extreme Makeover 2019

    Spring Extreme Makeover 2019

    Cover Story - Don't fence me in...

    Cover Story - Don't fence me in...

    {"items":["5fda9593db486f00177236d0","5fda959303af4d0017ee5d35","5fda95935e8bef001733597b","5fda95935e8bef001733597c","5fda95935e8bef0017335976"],"styles":{"galleryType":"Strips","groupSize":1,"showArrows":true,"cubeImages":true,"cubeType":"fill","cubeRatio":"100%/100%","isVertical":false,"gallerySize":30,"collageDensity":0.8,"groupTypes":"1","oneRow":true,"imageMargin":0,"galleryMargin":0,"scatter":0,"rotatingScatter":"","chooseBestGroup":true,"smartCrop":false,"hasThumbnails":false,"enableScroll":true,"isGrid":false,"isSlider":false,"isColumns":false,"isSlideshow":true,"cropOnlyFill":false,"fixedColumns":1,"enableInfiniteScroll":true,"isRTL":false,"minItemSize":120,"rotatingGroupTypes":"","rotatingCropRatios":"","columnWidths":"","gallerySliderImageRatio":1.7777777777777777,"numberOfImagesPerRow":3,"numberOfImagesPerCol":1,"groupsPerStrip":0,"borderRadius":0,"boxShadow":0,"gridStyle":0,"mobilePanorama":false,"placeGroupsLtr":false,"viewMode":"preview","thumbnailSpacings":4,"galleryThumbnailsAlignment":"bottom","isMasonry":false,"isAutoSlideshow":true,"slideshowLoop":false,"autoSlideshowInterval":3,"bottomInfoHeight":0,"titlePlacement":"SHOW_ON_HOVER","galleryTextAlign":"center","scrollSnap":true,"itemClick":"nothing","fullscreen":true,"videoPlay":"hover","scrollAnimation":"NO_EFFECT","slideAnimation":"SCROLL","scrollDirection":1,"scrollDuration":400,"overlayAnimation":"FADE_IN","arrowsPosition":0,"arrowsSize":18,"watermarkOpacity":40,"watermarkSize":40,"useWatermark":true,"watermarkDock":{"top":"auto","left":"auto","right":0,"bottom":0,"transform":"translate3d(0,0,0)"},"loadMoreAmount":"all","defaultShowInfoExpand":1,"allowLinkExpand":true,"expandInfoPosition":0,"allowFullscreenExpand":true,"fullscreenLoop":false,"galleryAlignExpand":"left","addToCartBorderWidth":1,"addToCartButtonText":"","slideshowInfoSize":160,"playButtonForAutoSlideShow":false,"allowSlideshowCounter":false,"hoveringBehaviour":"NEVER_SHOW","thumbnailSize":120,"magicLayoutSeed":1,"imageHoverAnimation":"NO_EFFECT","imagePlacementAnimation":"NO_EFFECT","calculateTextBoxWidthMode":"PERCENT","textBoxHeight":0,"textBoxWidth":200,"textBoxWidthPercent":50,"textImageSpace":10,"textBoxBorderRadius":0,"textBoxBorderWidth":0,"loadMoreButtonText":"","loadMoreButtonBorderWidth":1,"loadMoreButtonBorderRadius":0,"imageInfoType":"ATTACHED_BACKGROUND","itemBorderWidth":0,"itemBorderRadius":0,"itemEnableShadow":false,"itemShadowBlur":20,"itemShadowDirection":135,"itemShadowSize":10,"imageLoadingMode":"BLUR","expandAnimation":"NO_EFFECT","imageQuality":90,"usmToggle":false,"usm_a":0,"usm_r":0,"usm_t":0,"videoSound":false,"videoSpeed":"1","videoLoop":true,"jsonStyleParams":"","gallerySizeType":"px","gallerySizePx":220,"allowTitle":true,"allowContextMenu":true,"textsHorizontalPadding":-30,"showVideoPlayButton":true,"galleryLayout":5,"targetItemSize":220,"selectedLayout":"5|bottom|1|fill|false|1|true","layoutsVersion":2,"selectedLayoutV2":5,"isSlideshowFont":true,"externalInfoHeight":0,"externalInfoWidth":0},"container":{"width":220,"height":284,"galleryWidth":220,"galleryHeight":123,"scrollBase":0}}
    Recent Posts
    Grilled Eggplant Gyros with Fresh Tzatziki

    Grilled Eggplant Gyros with Fresh Tzatziki

    Mediterranean Salad with Sumac Tahini Dressing

    Mediterranean Salad with Sumac Tahini Dressing

    Rum soaked Summer Pineapple Rings

    Rum soaked Summer Pineapple Rings

    Caprese Caesar Cocktail

    Caprese Caesar Cocktail

    Vitamins - E & K

    Vitamins - E & K

    Vitamins - C & D

    Vitamins - C & D

    VITAMINS - A & B

    VITAMINS - A & B

    Super Smart Summer Smoothie

    Super Smart Summer Smoothie

    Feel Your Best Self with Outdoor Workouts

    Feel Your Best Self with Outdoor Workouts

    Biophilia Tower Power

    Biophilia Tower Power

    {"items":["5fda9593ad459400170a2baa","5fda9593ad459400170a2ba7","5fda9593ad459400170a2ba5","5fda9593ad459400170a2ba9","5fda9593ad459400170a2ba8","5fda9593ad459400170a2bab","5fda9593ad459400170a2bae","5fda9593ad459400170a2ba6","5fda9593ad459400170a2bac","5fda9593ad459400170a2bad"],"styles":{"galleryType":"Columns","groupSize":1,"showArrows":true,"cubeImages":true,"cubeType":"max","cubeRatio":1.7777777777777777,"isVertical":true,"gallerySize":30,"collageAmount":0,"collageDensity":0,"groupTypes":"1","oneRow":false,"imageMargin":22,"galleryMargin":0,"scatter":0,"rotatingScatter":"","chooseBestGroup":true,"smartCrop":false,"hasThumbnails":false,"enableScroll":true,"isGrid":true,"isSlider":false,"isColumns":false,"isSlideshow":false,"cropOnlyFill":false,"fixedColumns":0,"enableInfiniteScroll":true,"isRTL":false,"minItemSize":50,"rotatingGroupTypes":"","rotatingCropRatios":"","columnWidths":"","gallerySliderImageRatio":1.7777777777777777,"numberOfImagesPerRow":3,"numberOfImagesPerCol":1,"groupsPerStrip":0,"borderRadius":0,"boxShadow":0,"gridStyle":0,"mobilePanorama":false,"placeGroupsLtr":false,"viewMode":"preview","thumbnailSpacings":4,"galleryThumbnailsAlignment":"bottom","isMasonry":false,"isAutoSlideshow":false,"slideshowLoop":false,"autoSlideshowInterval":4,"bottomInfoHeight":0,"titlePlacement":["SHOW_ON_THE_RIGHT","SHOW_BELOW"],"galleryTextAlign":"center","scrollSnap":false,"itemClick":"nothing","fullscreen":true,"videoPlay":"hover","scrollAnimation":"NO_EFFECT","slideAnimation":"SCROLL","scrollDirection":0,"scrollDuration":400,"overlayAnimation":"FADE_IN","arrowsPosition":0,"arrowsSize":23,"watermarkOpacity":40,"watermarkSize":40,"useWatermark":true,"watermarkDock":{"top":"auto","left":"auto","right":0,"bottom":0,"transform":"translate3d(0,0,0)"},"loadMoreAmount":"all","defaultShowInfoExpand":1,"allowLinkExpand":true,"expandInfoPosition":0,"allowFullscreenExpand":true,"fullscreenLoop":false,"galleryAlignExpand":"left","addToCartBorderWidth":1,"addToCartButtonText":"","slideshowInfoSize":200,"playButtonForAutoSlideShow":false,"allowSlideshowCounter":false,"hoveringBehaviour":"NEVER_SHOW","thumbnailSize":120,"magicLayoutSeed":1,"imageHoverAnimation":"NO_EFFECT","imagePlacementAnimation":"NO_EFFECT","calculateTextBoxWidthMode":"PERCENT","textBoxHeight":60,"textBoxWidth":200,"textBoxWidthPercent":75,"textImageSpace":10,"textBoxBorderRadius":0,"textBoxBorderWidth":0,"loadMoreButtonText":"","loadMoreButtonBorderWidth":1,"loadMoreButtonBorderRadius":0,"imageInfoType":"ATTACHED_BACKGROUND","itemBorderWidth":0,"itemBorderRadius":0,"itemEnableShadow":false,"itemShadowBlur":20,"itemShadowDirection":135,"itemShadowSize":10,"imageLoadingMode":"BLUR","expandAnimation":"NO_EFFECT","imageQuality":90,"usmToggle":false,"usm_a":0,"usm_r":0,"usm_t":0,"videoSound":false,"videoSpeed":"1","videoLoop":true,"jsonStyleParams":"","gallerySizeType":"px","gallerySizePx":1000,"allowTitle":true,"allowContextMenu":true,"textsHorizontalPadding":-30,"itemBorderColor":{"themeName":"color_12","value":"rgba(179,217,204,0)"},"showVideoPlayButton":true,"galleryLayout":2,"calculateTextBoxHeightMode":"MANUAL","targetItemSize":1000,"selectedLayout":"2|bottom|1|max|true|0|true","layoutsVersion":2,"selectedLayoutV2":2,"isSlideshowFont":true,"externalInfoHeight":60,"externalInfoWidth":0.75},"container":{"width":220,"galleryWidth":242,"galleryHeight":0,"scrollBase":0,"height":null}}
    Archive
    No tags yet.
    Search By Tags
    • July 2020 (3)
    • June 2020 (9)
    • May 2020 (7)
    • April 2020 (6)
    • March 2020 (4)
    • February 2020 (6)
    • January 2020 (7)
    • December 2019 (8)
    • November 2019 (4)
    • October 2019 (10)
    • September 2019 (5)
    • August 2019 (5)
    • July 2019 (7)
    • June 2019 (5)
    • May 2019 (8)
    • April 2019 (6)
    • March 2019 (3)
    • February 2019 (7)
    • January 2019 (8)
    • December 2018 (7)
    • November 2018 (7)
    • October 2018 (10)
    • September 2018 (4)
    • August 2018 (8)
    • July 2018 (7)
    • June 2018 (6)
    • May 2018 (8)
    • April 2018 (6)
    • March 2018 (2)
    • February 2018 (4)
    • January 2018 (10)
    • December 2017 (9)
    • November 2017 (8)
    • October 2017 (7)
    • September 2017 (4)
    • August 2017 (9)
    • July 2017 (11)
    • June 2017 (8)
    • May 2017 (9)
    • April 2017 (9)
    • March 2017 (6)
    • February 2017 (6)
    • January 2017 (8)
    • December 2016 (12)
    • November 2016 (3)
    • October 2016 (4)
    • September 2016 (3)
    • August 2016 (1)
    • July 2016 (2)
    • June 2016 (4)

    © 2020 by OKANAGAN WOMAN MAGAZINE 

    • w-googleplus
    • Twitter Clean
    • w-facebook
    • FEATURES

    • OKW MAGAZINES

    • CONTACT US

    • ABOUT US

    • More