Understanding Our Brain’s Wiring and the Nature of Worry

Our brains are exquisitely designed to detect harm and danger - an evolutionary safeguard to keep us safe. For instance, if we step on a bee barefoot and get stung, we quickly learn to avoid that spot or wear shoes next time. This instinctive learning helps us steer clear of future threats.

But this same wiring also primes us to focus more on negative experiences than positive ones. On any given day, we’re more likely to dwell on what went wrong than to appreciate what went well. We often overlook simple wins - like arriving home safely through heavy traffic, receiving a kind word from a colleague, or completing most of our tasks. These small positives deserve recognition, yet they’re frequently overshadowed by our brain’s bias toward threat and discomfort.

The Impact of Global Negativity and the Role of Support

In a world saturated with distressing news and media, staying calm and optimistic can feel like an uphill battle. Research shows that strong support networks - family, friends, and trusted colleagues -play a vital role in maintaining our sense of safety and emotional stability.

When such support is absent, it becomes harder to shake off negative thoughts and life’s challenges. Without alternative perspectives, our perception narrows, and we may feel trapped in our own narrative.

The Cycle of Overthinking and Catastrophising

Our minds are prone to overthinking, especially when problems feel overwhelming. This mental spiral triggers a physiological response: catastrophic thoughts activate the body’s stress system, releasing cortisol and preparing us for “fight or flight.” Anxiety builds, and we may try to suppress or compartmentalise these thoughts - pushing them to the back of our minds or dismissing them entirely.

But avoidance rarely works long-term. These unresolved worries tend to resurface, especially during quiet moments or when triggered by similar events. It’s like living on a delay - where the same thoughts keep looping back.

What Can We Do About Negative Thoughts?

Since we’re wired to notice and amplify negative thoughts, perhaps the answer isn’t to avoid them - but to face them. What if we allowed ourselves to sit with our discomfort and anxiety, rather than resist it? Yes, it’s possible.

The first step is calming the body’s stress response. Controlled breathing helps deactivate the adrenaline surge, creating space for stillness. In that space, we can begin to practice mindfulness.

Mindfulness: A Path to Clarity and Control

Mindfulness helps us distinguish between thoughts that empower us and those that don’t. It teaches that “worry for worry’s sake” is futile. Worry only serves us if it leads to action. If the issue is within our control, we can create a plan. If it’s not, then continuing to worry is a drain on our time, energy, and emotional wellbeing.

Imagine trying to stop a runaway bus with failed brakes. No amount of worry will halt its descent. All we can do is hope it comes to rest safely. This metaphor illustrates how some concerns are simply beyond our influence - and obsessing over them is both fruitless and exhausting.

Managing Solvable Worries

For worries we can influence, the key is action. If a concern circles in your mind without leading to a plan, it’s better to set it aside and revisit it later. Writing it down can help release its grip and create space for clarity.

If you lack the resources to solve it alone, seek input from others. And if it remains unsolvable, it may belong in the “too hard basket.” That’s not failure - it’s wisdom. You’ve done your best, and it’s time to move on.

Freeing Your Mind to Focus on What Matters

By applying mindful techniques, you can redirect your energy toward what’s within your grasp - your circle of influence. This shift empowers you to engage more fully with life and make meaningful progress.

If you’ve always identified as a “worrier” and would like support in developing mindfulness strategies, our staff at Praxim are here to help.

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