mental health minute
9 SEPTEMBER, 2020
LETTING GO OF THINGS YOU CAN'T CONTROL
Well, if 2020 has taught us anything, it's that we can't control everything and we certainly can't predict what strange new thing will happen. All we can do is focus on what we do have influence over, and work to find peace with things we don't have influence over.
This is a simple exercise to help recognize what we can and cannot control.
1. Find two pieces of paper, a pen or pencil, and a box. (Shoe box, a tissue box, a pencil box)
2. On the first piece of paper, write down ALL the things that are stressing you out or worrying you, but that you have no control over.
Examples: COVID, hurricane winds, earthquakes, other people's thoughts or actions, the health of a friend or family member, etc.
Well, if 2020 has taught us anything, it's that we can't control everything and we certainly can't predict what strange new thing will happen. All we can do is focus on what we do have influence over, and work to find peace with things we don't have influence over.
This is a simple exercise to help recognize what we can and cannot control.
1. Find two pieces of paper, a pen or pencil, and a box. (Shoe box, a tissue box, a pencil box)
2. On the first piece of paper, write down ALL the things that are stressing you out or worrying you, but that you have no control over.
Examples: COVID, hurricane winds, earthquakes, other people's thoughts or actions, the health of a friend or family member, etc.
3. Think about your list.
Recognize that these are forces out of your control, and that worrying about them is not going to change them.
Recognize the power you can focus somewhere else once you stop worrying about these things.
4. Fold up your piece of paper, and put it in your box.
You can dedicate your box to someone else to watch over for you, or just put it away, somewhere out of sight.
Let go of your worry and stress.
Recognize that these are forces out of your control, and that worrying about them is not going to change them.
Recognize the power you can focus somewhere else once you stop worrying about these things.
4. Fold up your piece of paper, and put it in your box.
You can dedicate your box to someone else to watch over for you, or just put it away, somewhere out of sight.
Let go of your worry and stress.
5. Take your second piece of paper, and write 1 thing you CAN do to make a difference in your life or someone else's.
Say hi to a new student
help a neighbor clear some trees
tell your parent you love them
make a goal to wear your mask all the time at school.
6. Fold this paper up and keep it with you, to remind you of your goal. When you start to feel powerless or stressed, remember the things you let go of and things you have influence over.
7. Repeat as necessary
Say hi to a new student
help a neighbor clear some trees
tell your parent you love them
make a goal to wear your mask all the time at school.
6. Fold this paper up and keep it with you, to remind you of your goal. When you start to feel powerless or stressed, remember the things you let go of and things you have influence over.
7. Repeat as necessary
