Humans crave security. We like to have control over our lives, and we want to be able to dictate where it’s headed; unfortunately, it doesn’t usually pan out that way.
Today more than ever, people all over the globe are facing uncertainty regarding employment and their physical and mental health.
It’s no surprise that ratings for TV news are surging, as we all tune in desperately, hoping for clarity and answers regarding the future.
On top of dealing with this uncertainty, we’re also told to practice social distancing, which only makes matters worse.
So how do we deal with uncertainty during the ongoing pandemic?
The following tips can help:
Take Action
There’s no point sitting on your couch wondering whether or not you’re going to be laid off. If you’ve lost your job or are worried about losing it, take steps to find a new one or at least collect enough money to pay the bills. This will help you weather the storm.
Go online and look for freelancing opportunities. See if you can sign-up to be an essential worker; after all, having some sort of income is better than no income at all.
While you send out resumes, take the time to learn new skills, and improve your CV to increase your chances of getting a callback.
Deal With Your Emotions
Bottling up your emotions is never the solution. If you’re struggling with anxiety and loneliness, do something about it. Reach out to a loved one and talk it out.
Meditation is also a great way of managing anxiety. It allows you to focus inward and take better control of your thoughts.
Regular meditation can give you the clarity you need to prevent negative emotions from bubbling up.
Accept Uncertainty
As irritating as it is to not have control of your life, it’s something we have to accept. No matter how much of a planner you are, there will always be some uncertainty in your life.
Life throws curveballs all the time; what matters is how we handle them. So when bad things happen, it’s better to accept them and find a way out. When we let the anger and frustration take over, we end up self-sabotaging.
If you’re struggling with anxiety and uncertainty, consider seeking help from a mental health professional.
David Myers is a psychodynamic therapist based in Birmingham, Alabama. He provides psychotherapy to clients dealing with anxiety and depression.
If you’re living in Birmingham or nearby communities and are looking for a psychotherapist, book an appointment with Myers by calling (205) 251-8808.
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