Last week I found myself glued to the coverage of the burning bush fires and the horrifying impact they have had on so many lives and communities. With each report I found my spirits lower and my heart become heavier.

One evening, I gathered my weary body to the seafront to escape. The cool breeze and dazzling sun struck me in the face and awoke me to the realisation that I had become consumed by the news. It dawned on me that spending so much time worrying about what happened had enabled me to feel that in some way I was doing something about it. It took the inspiring natural elements to help me to realise that my worrying had actually changed nothing.

We are all consumed by our own worries or 'news stories'. It might be a poor relationship with your boss, an upcoming big meeting, job security, weight loss, finances, family members or something else. What news story is headlining in your life?

A certain amount of worry is necessary for our survival but if we end up consumed by our worries we risk draining our energy stores, losing our perspective, feeling trapped and overlooking the wonderful opportunities that exist around us.

In fact, if you are like most people you have probably noticed that the majority or your worries never materialise. Clogging your mind up with these worries reduces your chances of identifying and dealing with any real challenge that does materialise.

So if you want to reduce the time and energy you spend worrying, have a look at our tips and think about what could work for you.

If you do still find yourself worrying, how can you best address it? Action.

Action refocuses you from ‘worrying’ to ‘doing’ which instantly distances you from the worry itself. Taking action is exhilarating and creates positive momentum, no matter how small the step. Slowly, step by step, action enables you to regain your power and rebuild your energy stores.

During my walk along the seafront I realised that instead of allowing the news of the fires and their aftermath to consume me, I would use my newfound perspective to identify ways that I could positively assist those affected. As a result I have developed an action plan and feel energised and enthusiastic about taking the next step.

What could you do to step out of your news headlines and into action? 

Wishing you happy headlines!