Switch off that default worry setting

Wed, Aug 8th 2012, 08:32 AM

The Bahamas has an enviable reputation for its chilled attitude to life -- making it the ideal holiday destination. However, it's hard not to be anxious due to the global recession, and being a manager is always a stressful occupation.
In his new book "How Not To Worry", Paul McGee aims to eradicate our anxiety and stop us worrying, using his expertise as a psychologist and experience from working for public and private sector organizations, including Glaxo-Smith Kline and National Health Service.
"How Not To Worry" is a concise, humorous and common sense manual to help those poor humans who seem programmed to worry. The author explores the nature of worry, ways to reduce it and why it can sometimes be helpful. The book is split into two sections that utilize McGee's "SUMO" (Shut Up, Move On) format and introduces a new philosophy: "Stop, Understand, Move On".
In section one, we are told to 'Stop, Understand' and challenge our worries to reduce anxiety, or we risk worry becoming our default setting. Then, in section two, McGee examines why we worry, exploring a range of factors such as a lack of influence over change, wallowing in worry and overexposure to "bad news". He shows us how to use a certain degree of worry to spur us on towards constructive action and leave the anxiety behind.
Helpful suggestions to manage worry include making your environment friendly, preparing for impending change, diet, exercise, avoid people who 'escalate' bad news, have realistic expectations, organize and prioritize. This is underpinned by his "Triple A" strategy that includes:
o Awareness about your worries, what are you worrying about.
o Analyze your worries to understand what is within your control.
o Action to address them.
The vital questions are: where is this issue on the scale of one to 10? And how important will it be in six months? There are two types of worry: one that motivates you into taking remedial action and worthless worry about something that might never happen.
Each chapter concludes with a summary of key points, supported with amusing anecdotes and exercises to help us deal with nagging worries. However, this is not therapy and for those requiring professional support other resources are cited.
"How Not To Worry" will appeal to anyone concerned about the increase in work-related stress, absenteeism and wants to contribute to a well-being culture within their organization, protecting that priceless relaxed Caribbean spirit.

o 'How Not To Worry' by Paul McGee
Published Capstone by and available from www.Amazon.com

o Keith Appleton JP, BA (Hons), N.Dip.M, MInstLM has extensive experience within an academic, managerial and strategic leadership role. He is a member of the UK Institute of Leadership & Management and can be contacted at KeithAppleton@Hotmail.co.uk

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