Worry is a passion which wilts the strongest flower.  Two main categories of worry exist: 

(1)  things that you can do something about, and 

(2)  things that you can do nothing about.  

As for (1), taking some action will reduce the worry; as for (2), why worry about something over which you have no control?  if this seems overly simplified, consider some worthy quotes from a philosopher, a politician, and a psychologist on the subject:

— “What worries you, masters you.”  John Locke, English philosopher (1632—1704)  

The John Locke quote rings true.  Surely, at some time in our lives, we have felt weakened by worry, as by postponing proper action for worry about failure, criticism or ostracism. 

Winston Churchill (1874—1965) , the British Prime Minister during WWI, burdened with much real time worry followed the old proverb:  

— “Action is worry’s worst enemy,” relating:

— “I never worry about action; only inaction.”  

Churchill employed a process for combatting worry:  

— “It helps to write down half a dozen things which worry me.  Two of them, say disappear; about two of them nothing can be done, so it’s no use worrying about them; and two perhaps can be settled.”

An American psychologist, motivation speaker and author, who wrote many self help books, including ‘Your Erroneous Zones”, which sold over 35 million copies, claimed: 

— It makes no sense to worry about things you have no control over because there’s nothing you can do about them, and why worry about things you do not control?  The activity of worrying keeps you immobilized.”  Wayne Dyer (1940—2015)

Worry bogs a person down, bringing fatigue and immobilization.  Three more quotes puts worry in proper perspective:

— Our fatigue is often caused not by work, but by worry . . .”  Dale Carnegie (1888—1955)

— Worry is like a rocking chair: it give you something to do but never gets you anywhere.”  Erma Bombeck, American humorist (1927–1996)

— Rule number one is, don’t sweat the small stuff.  Rule number two is, it’s all small stuff.”  Dr. Robert S. Eliot, cardiologist.

Lastly, when you feel that dark cloud of worry approaching, reach back and sing the number one Billboard Top 100 chart song (1988) recorded by Bobby McFerrin:

— Don’t Worry, Be Happy.”  

We live in a hectic world!  To keep pace, the average worker must undergo stress to get the job done, as well as bearing up against the morning and evening rush hours, which  bring insufferable traffic.  Few tasks qualify as less stressful than desiring to get from A to B quickly while trapped in slow or no moving lines. At day’s end, the stressed out worker cannot wait to get home and relax — often with a comforting drink of spirits to calm oneself.  Departing earlier in the morning or staying later in the afternoon remains an unacceptable option to skirt the twice daily rat race.

So, what is a body to do?   The American journalist, Sydney J. Harris (1917—1986), took a observant view respecting when to relax:

—“The time to relax is when you don’t have time for it.”

During the snarled commute, one could listen to soothing music, engage in a book on tape, or transfer the morning shower singing on the road to take one’s mind off the snail paced commute.  Upon reflection, Harris’ words make a lot of sense, for at times our life seems like juggling multiple puff balls in a stiff wind.  Scheduling a break to relax, or simply breathing deep a few times in a serene setting, will provide needed energy and focus to continue. 

The stress of the day does not end with the commute to work, for unexpected problems or tight deadlines add pressure to the day.  Dr Joyce Brothers (1927—2013) provided some cogent advice:

—“ No matter how much pressure you feel at work, if you could find ways to relax for at least five minutes every hour, you’d be more productive.”

One might challenge Dr Joyce’s prescription with “How can I take a break during a crisis?”  Take a walk to the water cooler, do a quick turn at the gym, inhale a few deep breaths to slow things down.  An old Aesop Fable conclusion:   

—“A crust eaten in peace is better than a banquet partaken in anxiety.” 

One of the ubiquitous Chinese proverbs adds:  

—“ Tension is who you think you are; relaxation is who you are.”  

Lastly, I refer to an oft quoted sentiment, attributed to professional golfer, Walter Hagen (1892—1969.):

—“Stop and smell the roses along the way,”