Many of us spend a great deal of time and mental energy absorbed in worry. We worry about our finances, relationships, our health and the health of those we love, and just about every aspect of our lives. We may also worry about larger problems that affect our world, and these massive-scale issues can be equally as draining as personal ones. Worry on its own, however, is not productive, and ultimately contributes to stress, anxiety, depression, and a poorer quality of life. It might be impossible to quit worrying entirely, but focusing on the things we can change and letting go of worry outside the realm of our control can help alleviate much of the burden we place on ourselves. The first step in eliminating worry over things you can’t control is to determine what you have the power to change. We all have some degree of influence over our immediate circumstances, but there are many factors constantly at play that we can’t simply bend to our will. You can control your own behavior, but you can’t control how others react or feel towards you. You can control how well you prepare for possible outcomes, but you can’t always control how things turn out. If you find yourself always imagining the worst, ask yourself if anything positive can come from your worry. If not, let it go.
Turn Your Worry into Action
If you find yourself obsessively worrying about climate change, for example, make concrete changes in your life to do your part to protect the environment. Take comfort in knowing you are doing what you can, and encourage others to do the same. Personal life worries and worries about the fate of the world can have an impact on mental health, and many people turn to drugs or alcohol to quiet the constant stream of worst-case scenarios in their minds. Learning healthy ways to let go of worry is a much better alternative to a lifetime of anxiety and substance abuse.
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction and mental health issues, now is the time to reach out for help. At Arbor Behavioral Healthcare, you will meet knowledgeable, compassionate professionals that understand addiction in all its forms. We use an integrative and holistic approach to treat addiction and mental health issues. No treatment is one-size-fits-all, and at The Arbor, you will have a team of experts prepared to create your customized treatment plan. We offer care for your mind, body, and spirit so that you can heal from the inside out and look forward to a lifetime of sobriety and wellness. If you are ready to take the first step in your recovery, please call us at 844-413-2690.