It’s expected that the current state of the pandemic would cause for worry just for the simple fact there are so many uncertainties stemming around it. You worry about trying to create a sense of normalcy while still taking specific cautions, you may worry about your health, your loved one’s health, or just your overall well-being. But, what many people don’t realize is that worry actually does more harm than good, especially in these circumstances.

Worry is another word for fear, and fear is a natural but powerful human emotion that alerts people to the potential presence of danger, whether that danger is physical or psychological. So even if you aren’t in danger, fear can drive you into thinking you are, and then you are likely to respond or act as if there was a direct threat.

When you’re in a constant state of worry, it removes your ability to be present and disconnected from what’s actually going on in the present moment. It can also affect mental, emotional, and physical health. It’s essential to be mindful of these factors when you find yourself in destress from worry. Now more than ever, it’s crucial that you are mindful of how you allow worry to affect your life and work to figure out where it’s coming from and how you can overcome it to live a healthier and happier life.

Here are a few ways to combat worry.

Understand what worry is and why it happens.

Worry is your mind’s natural response for keeping you safe from perceived danger. It’s basically your mind’s way of saying, “okay, this could be dangerous, and even though it may never happen, I’m going to keep you stuck right here thinking about it, just in case.” It’s great that our minds work to try to protect us, but if we allow them to control us, it can prevent us from doing the things we love and being happy.

Become aware of the patterns or triggers associated with your worry.

When you understand what causes your worry and things that trigger you to worry, it makes it easier to focus on solutions that will put your mind at ease. By paying attention to your thoughts and feelings, you can analyze if there’s a pattern when it comes to what you are worrying about. Creating this awareness with your worry makes it more manageable, and after awhile, your worry will start to lose its power.

Be impeccable with your word.

Our words are powerful, and if we don’t use them to empower ourselves, especially when we are worrying, they can make us suffer through our worries. If you notice specific words that you use when you’re worried or scared, try replacing them with words that generate passion and enthusiasm. Think of words that uplift you and are positive to get your mind in the right train of thought.

Remember, you are human, and worry is entirely natural. You will never be able to control when and how worry happens to you, but you can control how you respond to it.