Read When You Have Anxiety, Worry, or Fear

Most of the time, there is always something in our lives that tries to consume our minds. Worry about money, family, careers – negative thoughts towards yourself, towards others-  fear of what is going to happen or what is not going to happen.

GOOD NEWS: The more we work on physically and chemically changing our brains- the more our perceptions and feelings about whatever is happening around us change.

Scientifically we know that the more you focus on your worries and problems- the more you strengthen those pathways in your brain which leads to more negative thinking and worry.

When we are in this state, sometimes it just takes a little perspective and reminder to get out of it.

Every time you feel anxiety, worry, or fear, read this.

Think About This:

Happiness is A Habit – It will become easier

• Most of the pathways in our brains are wired to worry so that is where we automatically go because that is the easiest path for the brain to take- it takes work to create new pathways that wire you for peace and positive– but when you are conscience of it, it will happen.
• Remember, forming these pathways in your brain takes time and repetition. The more you respond to negative situations with positive  thoughts and choices, the more that will naturally become your reaction without having to think about it.
• Eventually, you wont worry about everything and you will respond to any situation with peace- you just have to train and physically wire that into your brain first, and that takes time, and choosing to respond differently even when you do not feel like it. But scientifically, that is what needs to happen.

It is an Attack From the Enemy

• There are three voices always talking in your head: You, God, the enemy. Your self talk joins with the enemy and you cannot tell the difference. Any thought that is condemning or filled with worry is not you or God.
• The devil has no power, he has to get it from you reacting to what he does or says with fear and anxiety. If you keep focused on the negative worry, you give it power and it will grow.
• If you focus on things that are beautiful, and that you are grateful for, you override all dark with light.

You Have a Choice:

• We are all on a journey and will experience times of uncertainty and pain. You can choose to grow in hard times or feel out of control and focus on the negative.
• There are two kinds of people when hard times come along: those who choose to learn more and embrace the situation for the good it can bring OR those who let their thoughts and emotions take over.
• Each hard situation is a chance to grow and become a better person. Look at each situation, and choose how you see it and how you want to react.
• James 5:11 “As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.” How we handle trials here on earth will be reflected in heaven.

Action Steps

1. Become aware of your emotions.

• The first step to decreasing worry is to recognize when you’re doing it. Know that you do not have to be a victim of your feelings, they do not last long.
• Stop and think about what you are feeling and why- this calls the enemy out and brings the worry out of the dark- and into the light where it can be destroyed.

2. Breathe.

• Taking slow, deep breaths through your nose, expanding your stomach out with slow exhales turns down your nervous system and reduces your body’s stress response.
• This is not the most original, but that doesn’t mean it’s not effective. Think of it this way: if your breathing and heart rate naturally speed up when you are under stress, you can choose to reverse your response — by breathing slowly. This will send your body the message “I am relaxed and I will be okay,” and you will become more relaxed as a result. It’s like magic, with science.

3. Get Perspective and Re-frame the Situation

• Reframe how you are looking at the situation. It may be hard and heart breaking, but what good can come from it? What can you learn?
• You can make it through anything: hard times do not last forever, remember that it is always darkest before the dawn. 
• Your life here on earth is nothing but a mist. The struggles we face now will be rewarded in heaven.
• What ever happens, happens. Surrender everything and be the best steward of your life and the most loving person that you can be, and the rest will fall into place.
• Turn your attention to eternity, where we will be forever- this short life is like a second, the best is yet to come!

4. Shift Your Focus and Move.

• Now is the time to choose how you are going to be and react. You may not FEEL like being happy- BUT you can choose to- and your brain and emotions will shortly follow.
• Write down 5 things you are grateful for and five people you truly love.
• Put on a good song you love.
• Smile- even the act of smiling generates serotonin in your brain! In this case fake it until you make it is very true.
• Move your body! Go for a walk- do some hip circles- any movement you love. This also dramatically increases chemicals in your brain that make you fee happy and at peace.
• Meditate on the word: Reading the Bible also stimulates the brain and and calms the nervous system.

Verses to Meditate On

God knows what we need to do to remain at peace at all times, that is why he tells us :

1. Philippians 4:8 “For the rest, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is righteous, whatever is clean, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good report, if there is any uprightness and if there is any praise, think on these.”
2. Prob 21:23: “whoever guards his mouth and tongue guards his life from distress.”
3. Romans 8:6 “For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.”
4. Philippians 4:6 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”