However, even my brain isn't within my control, according to what I've studied.
Here's how I look at it. I tell myself to keep moving forward, to do what I can. I focus on that, unless I read the online newspapers (WaPo and NYT) or come to DU. During those times, I am generally focused on my horror and anger at what is happening in this country. I get stressed and angry and have subversive thoughts about what I could do (or want someone else to do, since I would never carry out those actions myself). These are un-civil thoughts about illegal activity that shouldn't be discussed here, particularly since these thoughts have zero chance of being put into speech or action by me.
Basically, I compartmentalize. I don't allow myself, to the extent possible, to dwell on things after I leave the news sites, DU, the conversations I have with others IRL about our country's situation, and the emails and phone calls I make to my representatives.
When I keep "moving forward", I have one thing on my mind -- the task I am currently doing. I don't multitask and the most I think ahead is to the next two things I plan to do, and that only for a moment or two. Usually the task is part of a larger project because I am a project-oriented person.
If I am doing something that doesn't engage my brain sufficiently, I chose what to think about. When intrusive thoughts occur, I think them because gee, how do I keep them out? When I catch mysel expanding upon them, I return to thinking about whatever I was mulling over previously.
I am considering taking up meditation again, but as a Master Procrastinator who doesn't like to sit still with nothing to do, I have been putting it off. Yes, even though I know it is beneficial from personal experience.
I have many books on my reading list about social and political issues, but I do not read only those books. I read plenty of nonfiction about subjects which don't get me het up, and lots of fiction, too. I have always read a lot, and the fiction is a great escape from reality.
Sometimes I get so upset with current conditions that I play games on my computer. I focus on the winning the games (I am very competitive with myself), and calm down. This is effective for me, even though it wastes up to several hours. The waste is worth the benefit to me.
Exercise helps a lot, too. If I were healthier and younger, I would run because those endorphins used to kick in fairly quickly, or play racquetball. Something fun that would really help to clear my mind and lower my stress level.
As to defining worry, I characterize it as ruminating over a bad (or potentially bad situation) and carrying it out to its extremes. This is not productive because I have no control over those situations. I can be a Master Worrier and I do my best to distract myself from worrying. I am not always successful.
Worry is not the same thing as thinking about a situation and figuring out out what I can personally do to resolve it, and then actually doing it.
Basically, I alone don't have the money or the power to effectuate lasting change for this country. What I do have is the ability to do what I can and hope that, in concert with like-minded people, the group can effectuate the changes that are needed. I am one small cog in the wheel of change, and I am glad to be part of the cogs.
As of yesterday, the top thing that worries me is that by repressing my feelings (ie, consciously not thinking about things that cause me to feel bad after I have done what is within my control about my situation) is actually not such a good idea for my mental health. I don't know much about repression its effects on physical and mental health, so I may just repress that concern as well. I just happen to be reading a book about it right now, and the thought occurred to me because of that.
I hope someone here is knowledgeable about the aforementioned issue.
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