The Tug-of-War Between Worrying & Self-Care: Who Wins? 
Worrying is a natural response to uncertainty, but when it becomes excessive, it can take a serious toll on self-care. Constant worry drains your mental & emotional energy, making it harder to engage in the practices that nourish your well-being.
I’ve been the Queen of Worrying in the past, but I’m starting realize how detrimental worrying can be to your life. I’m determined to let self-care win this tug-of-war with worrying.
Over the years, I’ve learned many lessons about life. Not all of them have been pretty, but they all haven’t been ugly either. When it comes to worrying & self-care, I’ve learned that you have to really gear up in all the armor to win against worrying. These are some of my observations:
When Worrying Wins the Tug-of-War 
- Increased Stress & Anxiety
: Worrying keeps your mind in a constant state of tension, making relaxation & mindfulness difficult. You’re all over the place: mind, body, & spirit. And because your emotions are heightened, the rest of yourself is affected. When mine got the best of me, I went straight to telehealth & got some medication prescribed. Ain’t no shame in my game! - Disrupted Sleep : Racing thoughts can make it hard to fall or stay asleep, leaving you exhausted. When you feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders, it’s easy to stay up at night trying to figure out the remedy for the issue. I naturally have interrupted sleep because of my nonstop thoughts, so it’s not always me worrying (most of the time it’s random ideas). But that lack of &/or interrupted sleep will have your attitude on rude the next day.
- Neglecting Basic Needs
: When you’re overwhelmed by worry, simple self-care habits like eating well, staying hydrated, & exercising can fall to the bottom of your priority list. It’s so easy to put everything else on the backburner. I’m super guilty of shoving things to the side when I have too much going on. - Emotional Burnout : Worry can consume so much of your energy that you feel too drained to engage in activities that bring you joy. When your mind is steady going, it definitely gets exhausting. I get to the point when I don’t even feel like thinking anymore.
How to Shift to Self-Care Winning the Tug-of-War 
- Journal Your Thoughts
: Writing down worries helps process them & provides clarity on what’s in your control. I tell y’all every week: my journal goes everywhere with me. No matter how much I feel like writing, I write something every day. It helps me empty out my mind, & it has definitely made it easier to process my thoughts. - Practice Mindfulness
: Focus on the present moment rather than dwelling on future uncertainties. Whether I’m doing my two-a-day meditations or just enjoying the scene & sounds around me, mindfulness allows your mind to rest. Taking a break from thinking can change your whole demeanor. - Set a “Worry Time”
: Designate a short time each day to acknowledge worries, then move on. This isn’t something I’ve implemented. If I set a time, I won’t be able to stop dwelling on whatever is on my mind. - Engage in Self-Soothing Activities
: Deep breathing, stretching, & listening to calming music can help ease tension. Yoga is my thing. Every morning & every night, some type of yoga session is streaming on my phone or tv. It’s super relaxing! - Prioritize Rest & Nourishment : Ensure you’re getting enough sleep, eating balanced meals, & staying hydrated. Good healthy is important anyway, but when you’re stressed, your immune system tanks. Prioritize you!
Worrying doesn’t have to take over your self-care routine. By shifting your focus to intentional practices, you can regain balance & care for yourself with more ease. Don’t let worrying win; put your self-care first!
