Reprogramming the RAS week 11
Posted: 12th July 2026
Last week we explored some ideas for goal setting and motivation. Sometimes when we feel we have many problems to solve it can be hard to find the energy to take on something new, so this week we will look at some ideas for problem solving. It is important to remember, that sometimes we may need help to solve a problem and its okay to ask for help or support. We all need help or support at some point as I think it safe to say, none of us have all the answers or solutions.
Our brains are more sophisticated than the most advanced computer and can be pretty good at problem solving given a chance. Learning how to think more, worry less, can improve our wellbeing. Problems do happen. When we waste energy on worry, we are less able to manage the problems which do arise in life. If we have problems, we need to deal with them and if we need help, it’s okay to ask. These tips maybe useful as sometimes we get so caught up in the worries of today; and don’t deal with them, we miss the opportunities which could bring a better tomorrow. Our RAS does identify possible threats to help keep us safe, however, we also need to support it to look for solutions to these threats or ways to work round them, so we suffer less.
If it feels safe for you to do so, and if you need help to do this then invite someone you trust to keep you company while you reflect. Remember, keep yourself safe and if the problems you face have you thinking about suicide, talk to someone now. The Samaritans are there 24/7 365 Tel 116 123 also find out who is in your area, or your social or work circle that you can talk to, there are often more people who care than we realise.
Make a list of the problems you have been worrying about
Beside each problem make a note, is this something you can do something about, or, something you need to adapt your life to deal with?
Think what is the solution you are seeking? Be realistic and look for a problem you can actually do something about, remember we can only influence our own thinking and behaviour, so pick actions within your control not dependent on what someone else, may or may not do
Think when ‘’do you plan to do something about this?’’. If you have a few problems, choose which one to tackle first. By arranging your list in order of difficulty and start with what you will find the easiest to tackle first. This can either be deal with, or adapt to, whatever works for you and will be best for your wellbeing.
How will you know the problem has been solved or you have adapted to it? What will you be doing, thinking, feeling, how will you be behaving?
Remember if you need help, ask for it, we all need help sometimes
| Problem | Can I solve it? | Do I need to adapt? | Who could help? | What is the solution I am seeking? | When will I start doing something about this? | How will I know things are getting better? |
We have spoken a lot about the energy we need if we want to overcome obstacles, find new workarounds, or make changes. Next time we will look at how we can boost our energy, again, these are self-care tips and not a replacement for professional advice. We are all different we have our own circumstances to consider, what matters is finding something that works for you to help have an improved sense of wellbeing and learn to live more and worry less.
‘’Worrying is carrying tomorrow’s load with today’s strength — carrying two days at once. It is moving into tomorrow ahead of time. Worrying does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.’’ Corrie Ten Boom,
Expires: 2026-09-30
More Information: https://www.snowdropargyll.co.uk/resources/solving-problems
Contact: www.linkedin.com/in/hilda-campbell-0a5557329