Om Namaḥ Shivay literally translates to I bow my head to Shiva. many people say that it's a very powerful mantra, especially in times of distress as Shiva is the destroyer. Shiva may be helping to destroy your worries after hearing you repeat the mantra. He is often referred to as Bholenath or the innocent one as he is very easily pleased, which is why your prayers reach him so easily. If you keep the meaning of the mantra in the back of your mind, it may help increase the effect the mantra is having.
Translations
[ॐ नमः शिवाय। ॐ नमः शिवाय]
Aum Namah Shivaya. Aum Namah Shivaya: Om, I bow to Shiva. Om, I bow to Shiva
[हर हर भोले नमः शिवाय]
Hara Hara Bhole Namah Shivaya: Hara Hara Bhole, I bow to Shiva
[रामेश्वर शिव रामेश्वर]
Rameshwara Shiva Rameshwara: Rameshwara Shiva, Rameshwara
[हर हर भोले नमः शिवाय]
Hara Hara Bhole Namah Shivaya: Hara Hara Bhole, I bow to Shiva
[गंगाधर शिव गंगाधर]
Ganga Dhara Shiva Ganga Dhara: Bearer of the Ganga, Shiva, bearer of the Ganga
[हर हर भोले नमः शिवाय]
Hara Hara Bhole Namah Shivaya: Hara Hara Bhole, I bow to Shiva