Alas, anxiety and worry go hand in hand.

I struggle sometimes with anxiety. Knowing this, I practice a lot of mindfulness. I am careful to avoid triggers that will set my mind off. If I’m feeling anxious, I avoid caffeine. Keeping my blood sugars as stable as I am able to also helps, as well as doing some light exercise.

Sometimes, however, I get blindsided. Out of the blue I see or hear something that jolts my mind, and then it’s off to the races.

If it gets bad enough, more problems ensue – headaches and insomnia being the main players.

This is why I try to nip it in the bud when I am able.

Worry makes its entry when I’m caught off guard. My mind begins going around, ruminating on the worst case scenarios. Often, I will pray silently, or sing hymns, if I catch myself worrying. This tends to be a much repeated tactic.

It’s much easier said than done.

It’s taken years of therapy, meds, and experience to deal with acute bouts of anxiety that lead to worry.

The struggle continues.