3 Keys for Dealing with Uncertainty

The cell phone alerts bleeping in March 2021 announcing further lockdowns had an unsettling effect. The three tips I shared then are just as relevant as we navigate ongoing uncertainty.

Just remember that uncertainty affects us all and feeling anxious or unsettled is to be expected. No matter how resilient or optimistic you happen to be, sudden changes and sudden cancellations have the ability to side-swipe us all.

Here are three tips that can help right now.

I spoke about them in this short?LinkedIn video?and?Facebook video?

1. Acknowledge how you're feeling

It's vital to reflect?on and acknowledge how you're actually feeling. As an example, I'd been feeling anxious over the last few days - waiting to get the news that yet another conference is cancelled - and once that news came through, feeling sad and disappointed both for myself and for the organisers who put so much love and work into the planning.

Accepting how you're feeling is one of the fastest ways to work through that feeling, so rather than trying to ignore it or squash it down. Write down how you're feeling, share it with someone or?acknowledge?it in your head by thinking to yourself "I'm actually feeling really xyz right now".

You'll see what a shift it creates, just through that simple step.

If you're a leader, rather than trying to continue with your business as usual meetings - instead, the next time you gather your team - take a few minutes at the start, to invite everyone to share how they're feeling. This may not feel natural or not be the norm for you, but it's sure to build trust and connection between team members, which is what you need?to be able to work effectively.

2. Direct your thoughts

Once you've acknowledged?how you feel, choose to intentionally direct your thoughts towards where you want to be. The?two best ways to do this are by focusing on what you're grateful for and focusing on what you can control.

With so much out of our control, it's valuable to recognise the things you can influence and to focus your energy and attention on those. For example, you have control over what you do right now in this moment, what you eat today, when you get to bed, what you choose to listen to, watch or read, who you reach out to or spend time with.

When you focus on the things you can control, it builds your sense of calm and control.

When you focus on something you're thankful for - even the smallest thing - it shifts your mindset, as your brain can't be in two places at once. So choose to lead your thoughts by focusing in on the things you're grateful for today.

3. Create a shift

To further help you shift how you feel, create some sort of physical shift. The best way to instantly boost your mood is to lift your gaze, roll your shoulders back, take a deep diaphragmatic breath, smile and lift both arms in the air.?Give it a go now as you're reading these words.

Your physiology directly affects your psychology - what you do with your body directly influences the way you think and feel.

All leadership begins with self-leadership, so these skills are critical to master (now more than ever) as the way you show up affects everyone around you.

Before you head into a meeting or walk into the office - take a few seconds to re-centre yourself - look up and count the lights or look at the sky and breathe deep. It will upregulate your emotional intelligence and help you show up as your calm, centered self.

Seeing as emotions are contagious, the way you show up affects everyone around you, so choose to lead yourself first, so you can positively influence others.

Wishing you a cool,?calm and collected?day ahead. Please share these tips with your team.

If I can help with anything for yourself or your team, feel free to reach out via www.LaurenParsonsWellbeing.com

What do you do that helps you remain calm and focused at challenging times like these?

Comment below to let me know what's working for you...