Uncertainty Continued
In times unknown, when there is no certainty how do you handle it?
The thing is nothing is ever certain, and today’s world proves that. Everything is changing day to day and all you can do is persevere. With uncertainty, people who have a higher intolerance for it can become more stressed and anxious. I know this feeling well, and what it does is hype me up full of anxiety. Perhaps because of everything Ive been through, I didn’t find healthy coping mechanisms. As I grow and understand things better about myself I create better habits and resiliency.
Some things to remember if you are like me when it comes to uncertainty, is that it’s temporary. Knowing that things are out of your control in your external environment allows you to adapt, react, then re-adapt. By allowing yourself to adapt to the changes and unpredictability you gain valuable lessons and more tenacity. This changes the way you approach future dillemas and creates better solutions and confidence.
The unknown is a scary place to be, but there are things you can do to help you better face it. What are some ways you can help tame uncertainty?
Well for me I find myself dwelling on the mistakes, which I don’t recommend. Yes learn from your mistakes, but when you are not in a state of stress and anxiety. All this does is perpetuate the levels of stress instead of neutralizing it. Instead look at all the past successes because chances are you have overcome this “uncertainty” obstacle many times before. Reflect on those times because they may be helpful to you now. Maybe seeing that you conquered the unknown will put you at ease to know you will again.
During this time be kind to yourself. Don’t beat yourself up for feeling stressed or not knowing what to do. We all go about things differently, so practice kindness to yourself and others. In times of high stress take a step back, see what you need. Do you need to implement some self care? Do you need to ask others for help? Do you need to take a break and stop dwelling on the things that are out of your control? When it comes to uncertainty only you know what you need, so be sure to check in with yourself.
Lately my stress has caused such a fatigue on me. Especially today. Allowing myself to relax the other day really showed me how I haven’t handled the unknown well. At first I fought, and when it seemed like there was no hope left, I caved. Yet my body remained in fight mode. So between the low mood and the body’s constant adrenaline pushing me to get through, I find myself beyond exhausted today. Today I allowed myself to do nothing, which is something I don’t like to do. I feel as if I have to be doing something constantly to gain my sense of control back, but today I just accepted where I am at. Acceptance is huge when it comes to stress. By accepting, I am able to give myself a break and just allow time to recharge. This is why its so important to self reflect during times like this. It teaches you acceptance, and that the only thing you can control is yourself.
Are you doing okay today? Check in and ask yourself what is going on inside you? I like to do this at the start of my day now. It really helps me understand my own energy levels, mood, and what I need. Is there something you could do to provide yourself safety or security during times of uncertainty? Is there a new thing you could learn about? By learning a new skill this can help you develop more confidence when facing the unknown. I challenge you to find outlets that de-stress you. Take a bath, learn to crochet, pick up a guitar. Find something to get your mind off the problem. Giving yourself a break could allow you to see a solution you couldn’t before when your stress levels where high. Anxiety isn’t fun, so try to do something that is fun to take your mind off of it. Be present in whatever it is you’re doing and really dive into it. When you are done you’ll feel better and you may even be able to tackle that uncertainty beast again.