Navigating Uncertain Times

Category One

Jun 30

I'm feeling information overload, combined with feelings of little hope. I'm not a negative person or someone who struggles to see the good, but I'm struggling right now. What comforts me is that I'm not alone in this. I hate that we're going through this, and sadly, it's becoming our “norm.” I believe I will be okay, and we will get through these times with each other's support and encouragement.

We are used to managing change, transitions, and uncertainty, but the overwhelming influx of it all at once is difficult to handle. It's hard to escape the noise. We're constantly reading online or talking with friends and peers about the charged political landscape, the mass layoffs and how they are being conducted, the wars in the Middle East, economic hard times, tariffs, political violence, and the list goes on. How are we supposed to escape from it, set boundaries, or even make sense of everything?

Navigating uncertain times can be challenging, and it is a normal part of life. While predicting or controlling the future isn't always possible, there are strategies that can be developed to cope with the stress and anxiety that often accompany uncertainty.

After a lot of research, talking with clients, mental health professionals, and friends, here are some ways we can navigate uncertain times. It is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and it will look different for each of us, but hopefully, this will give you some assurance that there are ways to navigate through these times and come out on the other side of it.

Here is a breakdown of what this looks like:

1. Acknowledge and Manage Your Emotions:

It's normal to feel anxious, fearful, or stressed during uncertain times.
Allow yourself to feel these emotions without judgment.
Journaling, talking to a trusted friend or therapist, or practicing mindfulness can be helpful.

2. Focus on What You Can Control:

Uncertainty often involves things outside of your control.
Identify the aspects of your life that you can influence, such as your daily routine, your responses to situations, and your self-care practices.
Creating a sense of control can reduce anxiety and increase feelings of stability.

3. Build Resilience:

Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity.
Reflect on past challenges and how you overcame them.
Practice self-compassion and celebrate your strengths.
Develop healthy coping mechanisms for stress, such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and spending quality time with loved ones.

4. Seek Support and Connection:

Connect with your support network – friends, family, and colleagues.
Share your feelings and concerns with others.
Seek professional help if needed.
Remember that you are not alone and that others may be facing similar challenges.

5. Embrace Adaptability and a Growth Mindset:

Uncertainty often requires flexibility and the ability to adapt to new situations.
View uncertainty as an opportunity for learning and growth.
Be open to new possibilities and approaches.
Challenge negative thought patterns and reframe challenges as opportunities for growth.

6. Stay Informed and Seek Reliable Information:

In times of uncertainty, it's important to stay informed about relevant news and developments.
However, it's equally important to limit exposure to overwhelming or anxiety-provoking information.
Seek out reliable and trustworthy sources of information.
Establish boundaries around your news and social media consumption.

7. Practice Self-Care:

Establishing a routine, even a simple one, can provide a sense of stability and predictability.
Maintaining a regular sleep schedule, healthy eating habits, and engaging in regular physical activity can help manage stress and improve one's mood.
Even small routines can make a big difference in navigating uncertainty.
Engage in activities that help you relax and de-stress, such as mindfulness, meditation, or spending time in nature.

8. Embrace Uncertainty as an Opportunity for Growth:

Uncertainty can push you outside your comfort zone, leading to personal growth and new opportunities.
Develop new skills and build resilience by trying new things and facing challenges.

9. Stay Present and grounded:

Focus on the present moment rather than dwelling on future uncertainties.
Mindfulness practices, such as deep breathing or grounding exercises, can help you stay centered.

10. Challenge negative thoughts:

Become aware of negative thought patterns and question their validity.
Reframe thoughts and focus on more balanced and realistic perspectives.

11. Learn from Past Experiences:

Reflect on past situations where you successfully navigated uncertainty and identify the specific strategies that helped you.
Draw on your strengths and skills to navigate your current challenges.

Implementing these strategies can help build resilience and navigate uncertain times with greater ease and confidence. Remember to give yourself grace and kindness, seek support when needed, and focus on what you can control as you move forward.

Here's a look at how I am navigating these times. I’ve made adjustments along the way, but they keep me grounded and focused for now.

I am limiting my media intake:

Full transparency, it can be hard at times because I want to stay informed.
I don’t start my day looking at headlines.
I might look in late morning and late afternoon.
I never look at any kind of news before I go to bed. I don’t watch TV or go online. This isn’t how I want to end my day.

Reading at night:

Reading at night helps me relax, block out the noise, and focus on something other than work or current events.

Gratitude Practice:

When I turn off the light before going to sleep, I practice gratitude by focusing on the good parts of my day — what went well, my accomplishments, and what brought me joy.
This helps me put my day away.

Connecting with friends:

This is the most important to me.
We are all experiencing this uncertainty, but talking about it helps.
Or, if we don’t want to discuss it, we simply enjoy each other's company.
Sending text messages or calling people just to check in.

Doing things I enjoy:

I live in NYC, so there's so much to do to take my mind off what’s going on.

Listening to my mind, heart, and body:

I have to listen and be mindful.
I have to take care of myself.
Pause, breathe, and just be.

I hope what you’ve read resonates with you or offers some helpful tips and tools. Ultimately, it’s okay to be exactly where we need to be, without trying to force things or control what we can’t. We will get through this. It might take time, and there could be some bumps and bruises along the way. But in the end, you know who you are, you know how to ask for help, and you are not alone.

IT'S GOING TO BE OKAY.

“You've gotten through worse times and you've even grown and benefited from some of them. You'll get through this too, and one day you may be grateful for the blessings in disguise you can't yet recognize.”

Lori Deschene