Worrying and trying to obsessively control things you can’t control doesn’t work. It’s a waste of time and energy. It doesn’t prevent bad things from happening and it leads to more stress and more anxiety. In general, the better strategy is to accept the things you can’t control and commit to focusing on, and working with, what you can control.

When it comes to worrying about things we can’t control, one of the most effective strategies is shifting our focus to what we can influence or change. By redirecting our energy towards actionable steps, we regain a sense of control and empower ourselves to make a difference.

A simple circle of control activity is a great way to put our stress in check. It can be helpful for you, your students, and family members to take a moment to think about the difference between the things you can control vs. the things you cannot control. Often this helps ground us and pushes us to break the cycle of catastrophizing a situation.