Coping with uncertainty and developing resilience
We are all living with a great deal of uncertainty in these current, unprecedented times and the feelings it evokes can be difficult to handle. However, change is inevitable and if we can learn to adapt and develop, we will find ourselves more resilient than ever.
Positive mind-set
Instead of fearing the worst, shift thoughts to positivity. If negative thoughts are particularly strong, express these by writing them down in detail on a piece of paper and then permanently destroy it. Any time you feel a negative thought coming on, shift your thinking to something positive that’s happened to you that day, no matter how small. Most importantly, surround yourself with positive people – follow positive blogs online and take time to focus on what you are grateful for.
Don’t underestimate your coping abilities
We are all a lot stronger than we give ourselves credit for. Think about the tough situations and uncertain times you have been through in the past, and how you came out the other side. Don’t lose faith in your resilience. Remember that you are in charge of how you feel - celebrate the small-wins and stop selling yourself short.
Practice self-care
Uncertainty brings about feelings of anxiousness, stress and worry so it’s especially important to look after ourselves during these times. Develop healthy affirmations that you focus on each day. If you can, set aside 10 minutes in the morning to practice mindfulness or meditation. Drink plenty of water and try to eat sensibly, everything in moderation is a good rule to keep in mind. Getting enough sleep also has a huge impact on how we feel both physically and mentally so develop a healthy night-time routine, blocking out any distractions and ensuring a full wind-down before closing your eyes. Practicing self-care is not always easy, but it should be high up on our agenda. Make yourself a priority.
Focus on what you CAN control
We all want to feel like we’re in control of everything, but the reality is we’re not. Concentrate on the things you can control and try to let go of what you can’t. What you can control is your reaction to a particular situation and your feelings towards it. Don’t waste crucial time and energy on all those things you cannot control. Your response is your greatest power – keep a sense of humour and take one day at a time.
Develop a contingency plan
For those of us who like to plan, uncertainty can appear to be a bit of a hindrance. Take advantage of this by preparing for different possibilities. Pinpoint the key risks and write a plan for each, remembering to review and update regularly. You will never be able to truly predict what is going to happen next, but if you have plans for different outcomes, you will feel better able to deal with whatever is around the corner.
See the possibilities
Change your focus and open your eyes to new ways of working and thus new opportunities.
If we always knew what was going to happen next, we would lose our motivation and curiosity. Accept that change is a part of life. Stay open, allow for flexibility and embrace the uncertainty - something amazing could be about to come from it if you let it!