Living with Uncertainty

Many of us don’t have a tolerance for uncertainty and we have a fear of the unknown. This causes stress and anxiety for us. Feeling uncertain about what’s going to happen means we don’t know how to prepare for or avoid a negative outcome, which cranks up our anxiety. This is normal. We will go through bouts of uncertainty?because change is the only constant in the world. With change comes uncertainty. We have all been?living a life of uncertainty?since the pandemic started.?

Here are a few ways to manage through the ever changing world we live in.

1. Remind yourself?that the worst-case scenario is most of the time not the truth. 90% of what we worry about never happens. You can also spend some time in different scenarios such as the best-case scenario or realistic case scenario.?

2. Find meaning/purpose in the chaos – what can you do to be part of the solution? How can you make the world a better place? You can help the people in your life/community or go bigger.?Helping others helps us to feel better. It's a win-win.

3. There’s no doubt, we are living through challenging times. But resisting this current reality won’t help us recover, learn, grow, or feel better. Ironically, resistance prolongs our pain and difficulty by amplifying the challenging emotions we are feeling. There is truth to the aphorism that what we resist persists. When we hold on to the fear and uncertainty, that fear ruminates and persists and causes more stress. Instead of resisting, accept the situation. Acceptance helps us to reduce stress. Take some time to breathe and accept the situation as it is currently then you can move forward with clarity.?

4. Self-care – invest in yourself – you have control over you. What self-soothes you? Calms you? Makes you feel better? Taking a walk, calling a friend, reading a book, taking a warm bath, etc. Make sure they are healthy ways of coping and calming. Be mindful of unhealthy ways of coping.?

5. Engage in problem-solving- get as much information as you can about the situation. Make sure the?information is up to?date and from a reliable source.?Brainstorm, problem solve and trouble shoot with other?people you?feel supported by. Knowledge is the enemy of fear..?