I am horribly impatient when it comes to waiting. Anxiety seems to course through my veins as I sit anticipating what's to come. I've even tricked myself into thinking that the very worst is going to happen so I'm not disappointed if bad news comes and am surprised if good news comes. As an understatement, this isn't the healthiest way to live. Yet it's how I get through most days and how I'm sure plenty of you reading this live day to day too. And being told "don't worry" doesn't help. In fact, hearing that makes me worry even more! (Who can relate?)
Even though I wish everyone would understand this about me, I know that's never going to be possible. I will always get hit with the "don't worry" line no matter what. A motto I like to live by is: "Your reaction is your responsibility." These five words help get me through days I'm told I'm worrying too much waiting for something. You can never control what other people say or do, but you are always in control of your own words and actions. For a control freak, this is comforting. Even though I can't control outside things I'm waiting for (whether that be a friend's surgery, my paycheck, the line at Meijer, or a text message), I like to know there's something I can control through the anxiety of waiting: myself.
Waiting is difficult enough as it is, and outside sources of stress simply make it worse. But when I know I can make it better with my own positive attitude and coping mechanisms, I feel so much better! No, I don't have it all figured out. I can't give you a list of the "do's and don'ts" to managing your anxiety level while waiting. But what I can do is suggest taking a look inside to understand your thought process during any sort of waiting phase, recognize any unhealthy thoughts or behaviors (i.e. This will never end!, It's impossible., I'll never hear anything., They must hate me since they haven't replied in an hour.), and find ways to alter your reactions. Your behavior is the one thing you have control over - take advantage of that!
From personal experience, I know that feeling worried and anxious is not pleasant to say the least. Though I absolutely don't have it all figured out, I hope those worriers out there can how taking the reins on your reactions can make all the difference.
