Page 31 - Seniorstoday December 2023 Issue
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When you strike a healthy balance of all the worries that are outside of your
control, you will see that you can choose control. You can even write them down if
your own attitude and behaviour, but you you prefer.
cannot control many external factors. Then, after 15 minutes have passed,
When you are faced with a problem or tell yourself it is time to get back to your
experiencing discomfort, ask yourself, “Is everyday life. Get up and go about your
this a problem I can solve? Or do I need to usual business. With consistent practice,
change how I feel about the problem?” research shows you will contain your
If it is within your control, tackle the worries to just fifteen minutes a day. That
problem. If it is out of your control, focus is a big improvement if you are used to
on changing your emotional state. Use worrying 24/7.
healthy coping skills, like engaging in a 3. Mentally strong people do not:
hobby or practicing meditation, to deal ● Waste Time Feeling Sorry for
with the uncomfortable emotions that get Themselves
stirred up when things are out of your ● Give Away Their Power
control. For example, Daughter-in-law ● Shy Away from Change
issues, Son-in-law issues, handling family ● Waste Energy on Things They Cannot
can be stressful and could stir up many Control
emotions at times! ● Worry About Pleasing Everyone
2. Schedule time to worry. ● Fear Taking Calculated Risks
There is no magic trick or special pill that ● Dwell on the Past
will make you stop worrying right away. ● Make the Same Mistakes Over and Over
There is a psychological trick, however, ● Resent Other People’s Success
that can help you contain your worrying. ● Give Up After the First Failure
The trick involves scheduling time to ● Fear Alone Time
worry. ● Feel the World Owes Them Anything
It sounds ridiculous on the surface. But it ● Expect Immediate Results
really works. And there are studies to back Hence, Build Your Mental Muscle!
it up. Becoming mentally stronger requires you
Set aside 15 minutes each day to worry. to have a balanced sense of control. Stop
Mark it on your calendar or add it to your worrying! Do things you have control over.
schedule. Make it consistent if you can. Develop healthy habits. Develop emotions,
Think something like, “I will worry from thoughts and behaviours in ways that set
7 to 7:15 p.m., every night.” (You might not you up for success in life.
want to worry right before bedtime though. This is the key to reaching your greatest
That might keep you up). potential, regardless of age.
Whenever you catch yourself worrying As Christopher Robin (from Winnie the
outside of your time frame, remind Pooh) said, “Promise me you’ll always
yourself it is not time to worry and that remember: You’re braver than you believe,
you will have plenty of time to think about and stronger than you seem, and smarter
those worries during your scheduled time. than you think.” Remember, that “Life is a
Once you arrive at your worry time, then flash of lighting in the dark of night”. Take
worry all you want. Sit and think about charge… Why Worry?
SENIORS TODAY | ISSUE #54 | DECEMBER 2023 31
