At this point in the covid era, the phrase "these uncertain times" makes me want to simultaneously scream, punch a wall, and flip a table. When I think about the deep exhaustion and distress I see across my loved ones and community, "these uncertain times" is just... insulting.
Humans are astonishingly resilient, but our brains weren't designed to handle this much uncertainty.
As we grapple with the turbulence of the current surge, here are a few strategies to re-center that have resonated with my coaching clients -- and whether for this surge or the next, maybe they'll resonate with you too.
5 Ways to Re-Center When The World Feels Uncertain
Forgive yourself. Wherever you are now -- mentally, emotionally, physically -- might not be ideal, but you are still here. The past 2+ years have been challenging, and you made the best possible choices to keep yourself safe with the energy and information you had at the time. Honor that wisdom, and drop any "should haves" and "if onlys."
Remind yourself that your discomfort is valid. Neuroscience shows that your brain registers uncertainty as an error, and that it's difficult to feel comfortable until that error is resolved.
Treat yourself like your favorite child. Your anxiety neurons have been in overdrive, pushing your body into a state of constant stress, and increasing your anxiety. Break the cycle: bring your body back to a good baseline by prioritizing sleep, eating well, and moving.
Lean into community. While it might be tempting to withdraw when you're feeling anxious, remember that social connection makes us feel safe.
Exercise realistic optimism and agency. Blind optimism assumes things will magically work out; realistic optimism acknowledges that while things will work out, the road there isn't straightforward. But life is a series of steps, and you've traveled plenty of bumpy paths: what is one thing you can do to take a step forward?