Stress and anxiety is a normal part of life. However, if a person was not taught the correct tools and procedures to deal with stress and anxiety, it could be detrimental in their adult life. For those who suffer from anxiety and stress, dealing with such natural predicaments such as getting lost or public speaking may cause them to have an anxiety attack. Want to get better at handling situations? These are 5 ways mentally strong people deal with feeling out of control.
They put their problems in perspective.
Mentally strong people do not let certain inconveniences get the best of them. Instead, they put their problems into perspective. According to Amy Morin, LCSW, a licensed clinical social worker, psychotherapist, “When tempted to catastrophize a minor event — such as thinking one mistake could ruin their whole career — they respond by reframing the message they give themselves and refuse to allow a pessimistic inner monologue to take hold.”
They accept change.
Change is a natural part of life, but to someone who has been diagnosed with anxiety, even the smallest amounts of change can feel like the end of the world. Mentally strong people, on the other hand, do not catastrophize every change that happens to them. Instead, they accept and even welcome change into their lives and learn to ride the waves. Morin states, “They understand that change is inevitable and believe in their abilities to adapt.”
They focus on situations they can control.
Overthinking is a great way to ruin your day. While ruminating on what could have happened is a common factor in an anxious person according to Inc.com, mentally strong people do the opposite. They focus on the situations they can control and work from there. “They recognize that sometimes, the only thing they can control is their attitude,” Morin says.
They aren’t people pleasers
People-pleasing may be a way to cope with anxiety, but being overly committed to pleasing people can actually cause even more anxiety. Susan Newman, Ph.D. in social psychology, tells Psych Central, “Essentially you can make yourself sick from doing too much. If you’re overcommitted, you probably get less sleep and get more anxious and upset.”
They look for the good.
Silver linings are often difficult to find when you are anxious. Mentally strong people focus on the silver lining of every situation while still maintaining a realistic outlook on life. Morin states, “Rather than allowing hardship to turn them into bitter people or helpless victims, they choose to use stressful circumstances to become stronger and better.”
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