Are you a "worry wart?" Is that term familiar to you? It is to me but it's been a long time since I've heard it used. I do remember people telling me years ago when something was really bothering me and they would say, "Oh! you are a just a real "worry wart".

I don't believe I am a "worry wart" now but some times things do concern me and I may tend to worry about it somewhat. However I've learned most times things aren't worth worrying about. Things usually turn out for the best even though they might not turn out as exactly you wanted them to be

Worrying about things in your life can create unwanted stress. Stress can create many health problems. Millions of people try to chase away worries by eating too much, drinking to excess, taking drugs only to find out they can't eliminate worry. As a matter of fact, they are usually creating many more health problems than they realize.

I bet you, like I, know people who never seem to worry about anything. Either they don't worry or they just seem to be able to handle life's problems without creating much stress in their life. So how do they do it? Some have told me what helps them to conquer this is just stay busy doing things or going places.

For myself, since I've retired, I still stay active all the time. I have a daily goal planner that I use to record activities I plan to do everyday. (They are entered in my planner each day before the next day). One of those activities that really helps me relieve any stress I may have is some form of exercise. In the winter when I'm in Florida I ride my bike for about 30 minutes everyday.

I've also found that just relaxing in my lounge chair with some soft music playing is a great way for relieving stress. When I've gotten involved in some intense activity for several hours I not only find it stress relieving but also it will eventually cause me to want to stop and retreat to my lounge chair for a few minutes.

It's reported that doctors estimate that at least one third of all office visits are prompted by anxiety. One in four Americans will at some time suffer from an anxiety disorder. Everyone can relate to worry, anxiety and depression.

In one of my previous newsletters I publish weekly I mention that the way you talk to others and the self talk you use (that's the inner conversations you are having with yourself) has an influence on your thinking. So what's that have to do with stress? Everything! If your thoughts are basically negative you can bet you will be creating a high level of stress in your life.

Setbacks in your life can create stressful moments for you too. These might include job promotion refusals, financial problems, family situations, and even health issues. Willie Jolley says this: It is generally true that