Life is filled with uncertainty, especially at times like this. We have been living with constant change the past few months. While many things remain outside our control, our mindset is key to dealing with change, difficult circumstances and facing the unknown.
Uncertainty is all around us, never more so than today. The current COVID-19 pandemic has heightened uncertainty over the economy, employment, finances, relationships, and of course, physical and mental health. What will tomorrow bring? So many things have changed. Are you wondering if things will ever be back to normal? Yet as human beings, we crave security. We want to feel safe and have a sense of control over our lives and well-being. Most of us like to live our lives withing the framework of familiarity. We don’t want things to change but, change is inevitable. Change will occur in every facet of our lives and sooner or later we will have to learn how to deal with change and the uncertainty it can bring. Fear and uncertainty can leave you feeling stressed, anxious, and powerless over the direction of your life. It can drain you emotionally and trap you in a downward spiral of endless “what-ifs” and worst-case scenarios about what tomorrow may bring.
We’re all different in how much uncertainty we can tolerate in life. Some people seem to enjoy taking risks and living unpredictable lives, and need change to keep them from being bored. Others find the randomness of life deeply distressing. But all of us have a limit. If you feel overwhelmed by things that might change over time or sudden changes it’s important to know that you’re not alone; many of us are in the same boat at this time. It’s also important to realize that no matter how helpless and hopeless you feel, there are steps you can take to better deal with uncontrollable circumstances, alleviate your anxiety, and face the unknown with more confidence.
While we may not wish to acknowledge it, change is a natural and unavoidable part of life. Very little about our lives is constant or totally certain, and while we have control over many things, we can’t control everything that happens to us. As the coronavirus outbreak has shown, life can change very quickly and very unpredictably. You may have suddenly become sick, lost your job, or found yourself struggling to put food on the table or keep your family safe. You may be anxious about when the pandemic will end or if life will ever return to normal.
To cope with all this change and uncertainty, many of us use worrying as a tool for trying to predict the future and avoid nasty surprises. Worrying can make it seem like you have some control over change especially change with uncertain circumstances. You may believe that it will help you find a solution to your problems or prepare you for the worst. Maybe if you just agonize over a problem long enough, just think through every possibility, or read every opinion online, you’ll find a solution and be able to control the outcome. Unfortunately, none of this works. Chronic worrying can’t give you more control over uncontrollable events; it just robs you of enjoyment in the present, saps your energy, and keeps you up at night. But there are healthier ways to cope with change and that begins with adjusting your mindset.
Focus on controlling those things that are under your control. Sometimes you cannot do anything about the change that has occurred. When change comes that might bring uncertainty just remember the way you respond to change will help you to adapt to your new way of living. Learn to better tolerate, even embrace, the inevitable change and uncertainty of life. Understanding that change occurs in everyone’s life sooner or later. Sometimes we adapt to change to have things change again. Remind yourself that being flexible is very important. Try to relieve yourself from undue pressure that comes from change. The way you react to stress will either reduce your anxiety and stress levels or increase them. Decide now that you will respond to change with a positive attitude. Embrace change rather than reject it. Think positively about what the future holds. Change can be a way to get us on the right track and keep us there! After all changing tracks sometimes will prevent the train wreck from happening that was ahead!
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