Uncertainty has engulfed our lives, starting with not knowing when the danger to our health and safety will disappear, not understanding the difference in restrictions among different states, and even not knowing when our lives will return to normal. It was challenging to deal with all of this at once.
Yet, this will not be the only period in our lives when we face uncertainty. 2020 was unique because uncertainty affected us all. However, it usually targets different people at different times. The following tips aim to help you during difficult times.
Best practices for dealing with uncertainty
1. Nothing is permanent
Uncertainty is temporary. No matter how much pain you are currently experiencing, it will pass, and no matter how long it may seem, things will eventually get back to normal. Although we are unsure of the exact timing, it is comforting to know that every trying time of uncertainty comes to an end. Hold on to that thought so that anxiety or tension, no matter how strong they may be right now, don’t persist.
2. The Power of Feeling Safe
We need a sense of security to feel like things are under control, and when that feeling is gone, we'll feel like our lives are out of control. Therefore, for many people, 2020 was a chaotic and challenging year. Due to health issues, it disrupted our daily routine and coping mechanisms, and we felt insecure without it. Many of us did not feel reassured during the past year for obvious reasons.
So, when you feel that you have lost control and have no way of predicting what will happen, try to regain your balance again by seeking safety. Form a routine, follow it, and focus on things that you can control instead of those that require dependence on others to implement, such as wearing protective masks. Together, these two aspects can give you a sense of control over your life and the ability to predict what will happen.
3. Leave room for negative emotions
It's acceptable, and occasionally even necessary, not to feel okay. In our culture, toxic positivity is a problem. Social networking websites play a part in our tendency to pretend that our problems don't exist and that everything is fine, even when the world is falling apart all around us. Fight the urge to hide your negative emotions by accepting them, learning about them, coming to terms with them, allowing yourself to experience them, and then, after absorbing them and letting them return to their source, letting them go.
Trying to cover them up gives them strength. These feelings exist and will not disappear unless you acknowledge and sometimes express them, but this does not mean allowing them to overwhelm you.
On the contrary, making room for negative feelings gives you the time and space to listen to them fade away instead of shackling you and wreaking havoc during the rest of your day. Thus, many people can complete their day, and when they acknowledge their negative feelings, they allow their positive ones to fill their place. Therefore, do not be afraid to deal with the disturbing emotions you were trying to evade. When you give them space, you will get rid of them.
4. Accept your reality
In times of extreme uncertainty, it is natural to wish for happier times. We like to imagine another reality in order to endure what we are living with, but we cannot change reality. When we realize the rift that separates the world we wish from the real world, we will collide with the bitter truth, and then we may feel hopeless and depressed.
So, do not put yourself up for failure. Instead, accept the reality of your situation and work to adapt to it. If you continue to try to live in the world of your dreams, you will exhaust yourself without results. Instead, be creative with your reality.
For example, many people got married in 2020 without having a big wedding, and despite this, they loved every moment they were together. Virtual encounters replaced weekly encounters, and living rooms turned into romantic restaurants. Those who benefited as much as they could from what they had were the ones who were able to adapt to the new situation and accept it, so if you rush to accept your reality and give up your fantasies, it will be easier for you to deal with what the world will become.
5. Simplify life
If you plunge yourself into the complexities of life during times of uncertainty, you are causing unnecessary suffering. Go back to the basics and the things you must accomplish today, such as getting out of bed, eating, washing, dressing, working (whatever it is for you), enjoying some time alone, interacting with others, and then going to sleep. Don't make things harder on yourself than they are.
We need the basics to be our anchor in reality when we are in "survival mode," a fear-induced short-term thinking pattern in which the fight-or-flight response is triggered. In times of crisis, always do what you know you must or love to, and temporarily set aside the rest until things return to normal. However, overextending yourself will only bring more chaos into your life at a delicate time. Take it easy on yourself, keep things straightforward, and when things get back to normal in the future, you can resume living a complicated life with lofty goals and a lot of hard work.
6. Setting Yourself Up for Success
Humans love to progress, feel in control of their situation, and see growth with their own eyes. So, the best way to feel better during uncertain times is to set small, achievable goals and then achieve them. The simpler they are, the better. For example, taking supplements, drinking a specific amount of water during the day, walking a certain distance, cleaning your room, or even bathing.
Whenever you achieve a goal, celebrate and congratulate yourself on skipping another day during the most challenging stages of your life. We often do not value ourselves enough, but during these difficult periods, we need our total self-confidence, so make sure you keep your promises to yourself and celebrate when you do.
7. Practice self-care
Self-care is anything you do to relax, re-energize, or meditate. At best, self-care is like refreshing yourself. Self-care is the best way to refuel our bodies, minds, and spirits. However, taking care of ourselves is the first thing we fall short of during times of crisis. We focus on other things, such as our work, finances, families, or friends, but without taking care of ourselves first, we cannot take care of something or someone else.
So, even if this seems impossible, make time for yourself. If you overlook yourself, you will not be at your best when facing difficulties. Recharge your batteries, invest in your happiness and comfort, and you will reap the results quickly if you persist.
Read also: 3 Ways to Deal with Uncertainty (Part Two)
We all understand what you're going through if you're one of the many people under a lot of stress from recent past occurrences. We hope the previous advice will bring you some solace and comfort and lessen the burden of the ongoing pressures you experience.
The uncertainty won't last forever, and this stage will eventually come to an end. Until then, use these coping mechanisms to get by until we can all resume our regular schedules and lives. Also, remember to look after your health.
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