234 



MENTAL HYGIENE 



example, people worry whether or not it will rain ; whether or not 

 they will be struck by lightning ; whether or not they will be hit 



The frame of mind with which one enters into an activity directly affects the results. Cheer- 

 fulness towards duty is a desirable attitude to cultivate as it tends to bring about greater 

 efficiency and mental poise. 



by an automobile. If a condition is recognized as beyond control, 

 thought of it should be put out of mind. Nothing can be done 

 about it. Mental energy should not be wasted. 



Another type of worry is closely akin to fear. Some persons are 

 afraid they will not pass an examination ; others are afraid of the 

 dark, or of a neighbor's criticisms. The only way to control these 

 worries is to face them fairly and think them through to a conclu- 

 sion. In practically every case, the fear or worry would not exist if 

 the problem had not been avoided in the beginning. For example, 

 the refusal to study will, in most cases, result in a fear of failure. 

 When children face the painful consequences of conduct, accept 

 failure or blame at face value, decide about problems rather than 

 evade issues, face their difficulties squarely, and make a decision, 

 they achieve mental poise. If the nervous energy consumed in fear 

 were put into solving the problem, it would be used to a better 

 advantage and the person would be happier. If one is afraid of 

 failing in an examination, he should find out the cause of his fear. 

 Possibly, the solution is to work harder. Possibly, the pupil is 



