This is the difference between thinking and worrying

We all lie awake at times to think or worry. But when is it really thinking or worrying? It is important to know the difference between thinking and worrying. Pedrouka takes you on her worry train.

Pedrouchka fell victim to medical error

I am Pedrouchka, 51 years old, a student counselor in a secondary school. In 2007 I became the victim of a medical error that forced me to spend a lot of time in bed. You can imagine that I brooded a lot there. Since then I've studied the worrying and want to help others with this. For a few weeks I will take you on the worry train. In our journey I will explain to you what worrying is and I try to help you with tips and (thinking) exercises.

Do you know the definition of worry?

Worrying is a state of mind in which a person is stuck in a (uncontrollable) pessimistic thinking pattern for a long time. These thoughts can be of all kinds, for example negative experiences from the past, personal concerns (finance or health) or fear of social developments.

Did you know that 90% of all people worry at some point? And that 76% of the worryers often cannot sleep because of this? 40% of the things we worry about never happen!

We can worry about anything, but usually it's about things that are a bit more difficult and about things or people that you find important. For example, about difficulties at work, problems in your relationship or about your own health or that of others.

You can recognize most worrying thoughts if they start with:“Didn't I have better…” or “What if…” or “Why me? or “Suppose…”

Uncertainty and fear are the breeding ground for our worry! It is therefore important that you also work on this if you often worry.

Difference between thinking and worrying

There is a big difference between thinking and worry † I'll explain it here:

• Are you thinking in a solution-oriented way, you are thinking. There is a problem and you are trying to find a concrete solution.
• When you think, you take action to solve the problem.
• Sometimes the solution comes immediately, but sometimes you also have to look up things or take notes to find the solution.
• So you take a stand when you're thinking!
• Thinking can turn into worry!
• When you keep thinking in trouble about a past event or something that has yet to happen.
• Worry thoughts are negative.
• Mostly worrying is also accompanied by emotions, uncertainty, sadness or fear.
• You are stuck and keep repeating the problem in your head; you can not stop; you do not come to a solution.
• There will be no answers to your questions!

Research has shown that some people worry more than others. This is possible because you have slightly more talent than another person. If you have already experienced many negative events, you will probably also be more sensitive to worry. If you were raised by parents who often worry, there is a good chance that you are a worryer too.

This bit of theory about worrying is important to know if you are really worrying. In the following blogs I will help you find the right solution for you. Enjoy the New Year's month.

Kind regards,

Pedrouchka