wellness center

Wellness in the Headlines
(Don's Report to the World)

Worry Reduction Strategies Suitable For The Times
Tuesday October 7, 2008

Current DR: October 7-9. Coming October 10: A Wellness Take On Pornography

These are perilous times, more so than usual. The stock market has tanked, a credit crisis is at hand, banks are collapsing and in a myriad of ways the financial system's in ruins. Everyone is mad at Congress, Bush is STILL in the White House, citizens of other states think America is on the proverbial ropes (which we are) and a moronic woman named Sarah Palin is close to becoming a heartbeat from the presidency - if Americans prove as reckless and gullible as many fear they are. Oh, and one more thing -- hurricane season isn't over yet.

All of which brings me to mention worry and ways to reduce it. Everyone has anxiety, stress and worry now and then. However, when things get as bad as they are now, on top of the fact that we are all older than ever, well, even wellness skills can seem insufficient for managing to stay serene. It's easy to be discombobulated.

It's true, of course, that wellness enthusiasts suffer less worry and stress. Still, that's not the same as having no worries. What to do to cope effectively and then, in due time, get back on track toward thriving?

Let me offer a few simple strategies.

First, acknowledge that these are indeed particularly trying times. No point in wasting time with denial. The idea is to adapt as quickly and as well as possible. After all, things could, theoretically, be worse.

Next, do a worse case scenario. The US of A is not doing so well at the moment, but we're better off than Somalis, Iranians or citizens of Miramar. Really, be grateful for good fortune, for you do not live in a totalitarian or theocratic state where life is short, mean, nasty and brutish, and regimented with few or no personal freedoms. Despite all our problems, America is still relatively civilized and democratic - for now. Let's work to keep it so.

Next, come to grips with reality -- no matter what is happening, you are better off in any crisis short or prolonged with a wellness lifestyle. Think of it as a non-drug approach to reality. Acknowledge your anxiety and resolve not to dwell on it. Be realistic -- there is not much you can do to jump-start the stock market, unless you are Warren Buffet or the federal government. Even then, it's going to be slow work. Let's just hope we can get through another few months of Bush in the White House. As for hurricanes and other natural disasters, well, try prayer, a rabbit's foot or just don't think about horribilizing and hope for the best.

What about drugs? Not such a good alternative. Excessive blocking of stress warning messages via powerful medications is inadvisable. Furthermore, drugs can become less potent over time so save them for special occasions!

The best approaches to anxiety, stress and worry are positive initiatives. Throw yourself into a good cause, increase your physical exercise habits, do lots of diversionary things and focus on thoughts that lead to brighter outlooks and calmer, more comfortable emotional states. I know, easier said than done but give it a shot.

I have three other, somewhat specific suggestions for dealing with anxieties.

The first is analyze issues that seem to account for your biggest, most enduring worries. How much are they based upon reality and how much upon factors not explainable even to yourself? Is the upset proportional? If you decide most of the concerns are unreasonable, can you let them go and move on?

The second suggestion concerns accountability. Can you assess, consider possibilities, rehearse actions and make needed changes? Write notes to yourself and discuss with friends, asking for brainstorming efforts at solutions. Don't take the process too seriously; make fun of your dilemma and you'll lighten the load.

The third suggestion is to focus on health and life quality. Pay attention to self-talk, as well as your attitudes and behaviors. Focus on ways to have more fun, associate with stronger, optimistic people and groups and nourish yourself psychologically at every turn. Mark Twain said, "Principles have no real force except when one is well-fed." He was not referring only to nutrition but rather a strong state of mind and quality of life.

In summary, look on the bright side and be well.

Note: An earlier version of this essay appeared here on February 10, 2001 entitled "Worry Less."

(Note: This essay will be filed in the archives in the MENTAL DOMAIN under the skill area of factual knowledge. Additional articles related to this theme may be found there.)

Current DR: October 7-9. Coming October 10: A Wellness Take On Pornography
(Ed. Note: Views expressed in this and other columns are those of the author and not necessarily those of the SeekWellness Editorial Board.)

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