38. Circle of Control

Thinking that we have no control over a situation can leave us feeling anxious, stressed, worried, and powerless. Try to remember that there's always something in your control!

Take this for example: Let's say that it's raining outside. Obviously, you cannot control the weather, but you do get to choose if you're going to walk real slow to your car, or if you're going to run; if you're going to wear flip-flops or rain boots.; if you're going to have your sunroof open or windows rolled up and sunroof closed.

Broader example: You cannot control how other people are going to respond, what they do, say, or think, but you can control how you spend your time and energy. Let's say that you're really worried about an upcoming work project or finals week. You don't have any say over deadlines or how many points an exam is worth, so of course this can at first leave you feeling a little anxious or out of control.

But remember: You get to decide when you are going to start preparing, how often and how long you are going to study, if you are going to take breaks, how or if you plan to nourish your body and/ or hydrate, or if you will stay up all night or allow yourself to rest.

Recognizing what is in your control will leave you feeling a lot more empowered, therefore a lot less anxious and stressed.

— Emily Duncan, LCSW
Duncan Counseling, LLC
Therapy for bright young women in TN, KY, FL