Whether you’re 15 or 85, you know that worrying is a natural part of life. In some cases, worrying can actually be a good thing, believe it or not. A small amount of this stress may assist in motivating you to get things done and might even help you perform better in certain situations. However, too much stress can be detrimental to senior health. I know worrying isn’t always something you can control – it just happens. But you can control how much you’re stressing about something. Whether you’re a caregiver and you’re worried about a loved one or you’re anxious about your retirement finances, by reevaluating your attitude, you can help alleviate some of that stress for a more positive outlook on life. Just take it from Walt Disney, a man who represents fun, happiness and enjoyment:
“Why worry? If you’ve done the very best you can, worrying won’t make it any better.”
In fact, many Disney movies articulate the fact that worrying is often unneeded. For instance, in “The Jungle Book,” Baloo sings with Mowgli about the bare necessities and how if you focus on the little things that makes life so wonderful, you tend to forget about your worries. And then you have “The Lion King’s” Timon and Pumbaa, who teach Simba the importance of keeping a positive outlook, and how the right attitude can make life so much more enjoyable. After all, “hakuna matata” means no worries for the rest of your days.
Sometimes, certain situations are out of your control and worrying won’t help you or the outcome. The best thing you can do is to enjoy all of the people and things around you, maintain a positive attitude and let things unfold the way they do. Putting your worries down on paper may help get all of your negative thoughts out of your mind. This way, you can address what’s bothering you and then attempt to move on. Stop worrying about what may or may not happen, and start enjoying each day that you’re given.
