sYou know what “catastrophic” is? This term refers to the tendency to assume that a “worst-case scenario” will materialize. Worry-related thoughts, which increase stress levels and can prevent us from doing certain things and making decisions.
There are different ways to counter these thoughts and mitigate them. Patricia Riddell, professor of applied neuroscience at the University of Reading, explained to Science Alert what it is.
Make your decisions in the morning
“When we are asleep, the rational part of our brain slows down and activity increases in the more emotional part.” That is why, usually, all the questions and thoughts that bother us about the future, work or even relationships appear at night. All of this can lead you to focus on the wrong things and start to “dream”. To calm yourself down, it may be helpful, before bed, to start thinking these fears don’t make sense, or to wait until morning to make decisions, when your mind is resting.
Teach your “inner critic” to be more empathetic
Your “inner critic” – that little voice that analyzes your every move and decision – is likely to be your worst enemy. He usually uses aggressive language and you need to be careful about this, as it can make him more emotional. So it is important to learn to talk about yourself as you talk about others, that is, in a more calm and compassionate way.
Make a better story
The idea that, according to the professor, that we should continue to use in stressful situations is “if things didn’t go wrong in the past, they are unlikely to happen in the future.” For people who tend to “hypnotize” about future events, it is best to start thinking about the different ways that this event could go well. Another strategy is to imagine different stories about what might happen. “It can help remind you that the stories you tell yourself are just stories.”
be kind to yourself
It is essential that you try to be “kinder” to yourself when thinking about the future. “Empathy and empathy have evolved to help us interact well with others.” Which means you should also use it. It can always help to talk to friends who are in similar situations.
Read also: Social stress can age your immune system
William Shakespeare is a journalist and feature writer specialising in culture, entertainment, history, and current affairs. With a keen eye for storytelling and analysis, he produces informative articles that help readers understand the people, ideas, and events influencing modern life.
