Image by Sarkawt Jabar from Pixabay

Introduction

Worry is an inescapable aspect of human life, touching people of all social and economic backgrounds. From the most affluent countries to the most impoverished, worry finds expression in diverse forms—concerns for health, money, relationships, or the unpredictability of the future. It is deeply rooted in human nature, frequently springing from fear of the unknown or helplessness in controlling a part of one’s life. While others think that too much worry can cause physical illnesses, others tend to disagree that it is a result of ongoing health problems. Whatever the cause-and-effect factor, worry significantly affects mental and physical health. It causes stress hormones to be released, shatters peace of mind, and depresses the immune system of the body, making people vulnerable to disease. But just as worry is worldwide, so are the ways to overcome it. Knowing its cause and taking steps to control it can make individuals live healthier and more balanced lives. Knowing that worry usually originates from excessive thinking and uncertainty can make people regain control of their minds, accept uncertainty, and live in the present moment instead of being trapped by fear of the future.

Every person in the world lives with some degree of worry. Worry exists at home, outside, and on the streets. From the most developed countries to the least developed ones, this phenomenon is seen everywhere. Escaping its web is difficult. But why does worry arise? Why do people suffer under its grip? The exact answers to these questions are still unclear. It is hard to say whether various diseases result from worry or if worry arises due to suffering from various diseases. People have been contemplating this for over ten thousand years.

Worry is a mental state. When hormones like Nor-epinephrine increase suddenly in brain cells, both the body and mind change. This leads to depression, anxiety, exhaustion, and sadness.

Worry often begins due to a lack of clear understanding of a situation. A few years ago, a 40-year-old patient with stomach cancer came to me. I was surprised to see him in a cheerful mood. I asked him, “Do you know what illness you have?” He replied, “Yes, sir. I have stomach cancer.” Then he looked at me and said, “Sir, you might be wondering why I am smiling. I am on my deathbed, so what else can I do? I am passing my days with laughter.” I reassured him, saying, “There’s nothing to worry about. Many people survive cancer, and it can now be defeated in many cases.” That person is still alive today, living quite well, with homeopathic treatment, though not regularly. Many people analyze problems and determine ways to escape them. They can accept things as they are, which helps them overcome worry.

Worry increases when people are alone. Being with friends, classmates, or anyone else provides inner strength. Conversations and discussions begin, and eventually, one may forget their problems. This forgetfulness marks the beginning of additional days of life. Forget your worries, sorrows, pains, and thoughts of death. Just forget them completely, and you will see how quickly you regain your health. Forgetting worries is difficult but not impossible.

It has been observed that people who have lived past 100 years are often polygamous. Though surprising, this is true. The primary reason is that people want to avoid worry. The grief that follows a spouse’s death can be unbearable, and to forget this pain, many people remarry. Over time, memories fade, and emotional pain lessens. Some people marry two, three, or even four times. Others immerse themselves in religious practices, regularly visiting temples, mosques, synagogues, churches, or any place of worship for peace.

Worry shortens lifespan. A few days ago, a 65-year-old patient came to my clinic. Within just five minutes of sitting there, he passed away. He was an ordinary villager without any major illnesses. However, six months ago, he lost his wife and has been mentally shattered since then, turning almost insane. He stopped eating and became restless, eventually leading to his death. Many times, spouses pass away within six months to a year of each other because they are so emotionally dependent on one another.

Heart attacks often occur due to chronic worry. Many well-known individuals marry multiple times or engage in numerous relationships. Since they are at the peak of fame, the general public does not pay much attention to it. Do they do this to lead a worry-free life? Perhaps there are other reasons, but in most cases, it is to escape worry. Many people seek out relationships simply to ease their anxiety. Physical intimacy, even briefly, brings peace of mind and momentarily lowers stress levels. In such moments, people lose track of time.

To find peace of mind, one should not constantly dwell on what they lack. Instead, one should make a list of what they have. Comparing this with others will reveal that they already possess many things that others do not.

Many people are naturally gifted with different qualities—some have good health, others have sharp intelligence, and some have an unstoppable drive for work. But peace of mind is something everyone can achieve. Content individuals experience it more easily. They believe that working with full effort is nature’s calling. However, it is impossible to succeed 100% of the time. Failing does not mean giving up. Humanity progresses by continuous effort. True peace lies in working spontaneously within one’s capacity. Peace is ultimately a state of mind. Although the world may appear chaotic at first glance, a deep connection exists within everything, maintaining balance at all times. That balance is peace.

Sometimes, a person’s efforts yield results opposite to their expectations, which increases their pain. A student may study diligently all year but still perform poorly in exams due to nervousness or illness. This is natural and cannot always be avoided. Accepting such setbacks without distress helps maintain mental stability. Despite facing adversities, humanity continues its journey toward progress.

Patience, dedication to work, and discipline—these three qualities can help people achieve even the impossible.

Birds in the vast sky find food. Animals in dense forests do not starve. Countless marine creatures survive by regularly finding sustenance. But do they not have to make an effort? Of course, they do. Their continuous efforts make their rewards more satisfying. Tasty food nourishes the body and brings peace of mind.

Many people complain about food while eating. If a dish is not delicious, they make negative comments, feeling dissatisfied. They seem as if they were born solely to eat well. Such individuals are always discontent. Constant complaints over trivial matters increase emotional distress. Eating any meal with satisfaction brings peace to the mind. It is necessary to limit one’s material desires, sometimes even forcefully.

When people are poor, extra money brings them happiness. However, once they have acquired all material comforts, money ceases to bring them the same joy.

People fear many things, and death is one of the greatest fears. Fear seems to be an instinct in all living beings, but humans fear death the most because they know it marks the end of their connection to this world.

People may be terrified by supernatural events, sometimes even fainting. However, fearing something inevitable—something that happens to every living being every moment—is illogical and foolish. Since everyone must face death once in life, it is wise to accept it as a natural reality.

Any fool can unnecessarily raise their blood pressure by fearing a natural event. However, developing tolerance and the ability to analyze situations requires immense courage. Those who possess these qualities do not fear normal life events—and they shouldn’t.

Conclusion

It is not a simple thing to overcome worry, but it is necessary for a peaceful and fulfilling life. Those who can divert attention from what they don’t have to what they have are more likely to be content and in inner peace. Being around positive people, having positive social relationships, and holding a sense of gratitude can work wonders in curbing anxiety. In addition, being aware that failure, setbacks, and disappointments are inevitable parts of life may enable people to build resilience. Patience, discipline, and strong work ethics are essential ingredients in effectively coping with worry. Individuals who can accept the shortcomings of life graciously and remain flexible are more likely to attain long-term stability and happiness. In the end, peace lies not in outward situations but within the mind itself. It takes deliberate effort to change negative thought patterns and accept adversity as a challenge to move forward and develop acceptance. Through the ability to release unwanted fears and anxieties, one can escape the vicious cycle of fear and live a confident, optimistic, and emotionally healthy life.

.    .    .

Discus