4 ways of dealing with uncertainty when anxiety sets in
Is it uncertainty which fuels anxiety or anxiety which makes one think everything is so uncertain?
Well, even without delving into the chicken or egg story, we can all agree that the year 2020 was particularly hard for most of us. The lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic paused everyone’s normal routine to the extent that the term ‘new normal’ became an everyday talk. While we do not believe it is right to generalise as each person’s experience of uncertainty may be different, here are some basic guidelines to help you sail through the phase of uncertainty if it occurs in your life.
1. Focus on what can be controlled
In times when day-to-day life is uncertain, much like most of the year 2020 has been for ourselves and our loved ones, if you look closely there are still things which are under your control.
Right from the way you think, to the way you respond to situations, and most of all doing our bit to stay safe and break the social spread, there are many things which are still under your control.
In case things are beyond your control, the easiest way to handle it is to bring back your focus on things which can be controlled by you.
Whenever you find yourself being anxious over situations, take a step back and rethink-
2. Pay attention to your physical health
While anxiety due to uncertainty can play tricks on your mental wellbeing and trigger moments of lack of confidence, self-esteem challenges, worries and cause frustration, many studies and research shows that physical exercise can be vital to help you release the happy hormones.
The last year alone has proven that we do not need the gym to get us to move around. Begin with the choice of picking up any sport, exercise, or activity which you enjoy doing.
For added motivation, let’s involve people around. Try and involve your spouse, kids, neighbour or friends to make it easier to follow an exercise routine. By getting other people involved, you will also be creating a microcosm of a community which in itself ushers in a lot of self-assurance in times of uncertainty.
In our experience, it is only a matter of weeks before we realise that our thought process, mood and our outlook are enhanced for the better with regular physical activity.
3. Maintain a journal
With so much uncertainty going on around us, it feels like a good idea to always have that one space — where we can unwind and vent out all our thoughts, without the trappings of shame and judgement from others. Maintaining a journal will give you that much needed space to have a free flow of your emotions and aspirations.
Make it a point to jot down all the things for which you are grateful. In these uncertain times, the one thing which you need badly is a clear thought process — and this is precisely what you will achieve through your daily journal.
Most of all, keep reminding yourself that like everything else this phase too will change. No amount of anxious thoughts will help you sail through this phase. The things that will prove most effective is your mental strength and resiliency to get going in the face of uncertainty.
4. Embrace creative habits
How many times have you admired a creative piece of work on social media, at the workplace or community and secretly desired to be able to emulate something similar?
Many times, we subconsciously condition ourselves into believing our own perceived limitations. Have you heard and led yourselves to believe that you have to be born an artist to be good at art or be creatively inclined?
Nobody is born a creative genius, well, there are a small minority who are natural geniuses, but most creatively gifted people are not born but made.
Most creatives realise early on that creativity is very much an on-going process, a journey not a destination. They have discovered the power of creativity as a very effective supplement to spoken communication, as it carries many benefits such as non-confrontation, ease to portray complex topics, relevance, long-lasting in viewers’ minds and be thought-provoking.
Creativity in the context of art has the potential to transform basic norms/principles of an art project into distinctive original pieces. The creative process when repeated with consistency has the unique power to elevate into a signature for its developer. Philosophy much? It’s really simple if you think about it.
Many studies and reports have shown the effectiveness of engaging in any form of creative process to help us handle uncertainty and stress or anxiety triggers.
How can mettlepods help?
mettlepods is designed to harness the power of creative activities combined with the principles of behavioural coaching.
The time is now to put yourself first with mettlepods. Register to receive a sample of our 6-week Anxiety support framework here.