It’s normal to feel uncertainty at times. You may not always be confident in every decision you’re faced with. Additionally, most people tend to thrive on routines and habits. When something throws you out of that routine, it can lead to even more uncertainty.
Unfortunately, those curveballs can happen more often than we’d like to admit can also lead to a lot of stress.
Dealing with uncertainty isn’t always easy, especially if you’re faced with it on a regular basis.
But, it isn’t impossible to cope with uncertainty in constructive ways. In doing so, you can combat the stress that it might cause, and be better equipped to face the unexpected moments in life.
With that in mind, let’s look at a few ways you can effectively cope with uncertainty as you move forward.
1. Be Patient With Yourself
One of the worst things you can do is to beat yourself up when you feel like you can’t handle uncertainty. Some people are better at it than others, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be kind to yourself.
Be patient, and give yourself time to resolve the stressful situation or let it work out on its own. Getting worked up and blaming yourself for not being able to handle it will only make things worse.
2. Draw From Your Past Victories
Is there a time in your recent past that you were able to overcome some of life’s uncertainties? Try to reflect on that time and think about what you did, how you did it, and how it made you feel.
Reflection can help you to remember that you’re not a “failure” just because you have a hard time coping with uncertainty. It will also remind you that you can, indeed, cope with it in a healthy and effective way.
3. Don’t Focus On Things You Can’t Control
Life happens. It’s important to understand that no matter what, you’ll never be in control of everything. Focusing on that for too long can make some people feel anxious.
So, instead, focus on the things in your life that you do have control over, including the decisions you make, how you treat people, and how you handle unexpected situations. While you can’t always control what happens, you can control how you respond.
When you choose to focus on that, instead, you can feel more self-confident in knowing you have the power of choice.
4. Practice Self-Care
Uncertain situations can make it difficult to stick with your daily routines and positive habits. Don’t let yourself get off track!
Taking care of yourself is one of the best ways to combat the stress of uncertainty. So, even when life feels as though it’s flying off the rails, stick with your routines. Get enough rest, eat a healthy diet, stay active, and don’t isolate yourself from others. When you find familiarity in things like daily self-care, it can be easier to deal with the negative thoughts surrounding life’s uncertainties.
5. Ask for Help When You Need It
Dealing with uncertainty on your own can be scary and overwhelming. That’s why many people who feel they can’t “cope” with it turn to unhealthy mechanisms that can cause more harm than good.
You’re not alone in dealing with the stress of uncertainty, and you don’t have to be alone as you cope with it. If you’re struggling, reach out to your support system of friends and family members. If you’re still looking for help, feel free to contact me for more information or with any questions you might have. Life will continue to throw curveballs from time to time, but learning how to handle them is a skill that will help you to reduce stress, and build your confidence.
You can find more information in Anxiety Treatment