5 Simple Tips for Riding Out Uncertainty & Change
The one thing that is certain in life is change. As we all adjust to whatever the “new normal” looks like for us, we have to learn to navigate change without stress and overwhelm. To help you do just that, here are five simple tips you can try at any time:
1. Do what you’re good at
Uncertainty can breed self-doubt. Self-doubt can sometimes make us question our self-worth. It’s important to maintain confidence while riding the highs and lows. What do you love to do and what are you really good at? I’m not referring to a workplace skill but something that fills you with energy and puts a smile on your face. Are you more creative, cerebral, physical? Do whatever it is regularly to fill your cup and maintain your self-confidence.
2. Get curious and playful
The idea of trying something new and foreign to us in a time of uncertainty is likely to sound counterintuitive but approaching things with a beginner’s mind is one of the building blocks of Jon Kabat-Zinn’s popular Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction programme. Curiosity requires mindfulness, and as such, exploring a new pursuit can open us up to freedom and an inner joy. How creative can you get?
3. Find a small task you can ‘own’
Identify something really simple in your day that you can create certainty around. Something easy and free and that takes little effort to succeed at. Ideally something that also contributes to your personal well-being. Lock it in as the one thing you can control each day (or every other day) and try to let everything else be what it is. I chose 10,000 steps a day during lockdown as “my thing”. What could be yours?
4. Dive into a passion project
Is there something you’ve always wanted to try and haven’t? Or is there a social cause you’re incredibly passionate about? Now is the time to engage. Having a side project creates an easy distraction from uncertainty and better yet, fuels our drive to learn and/or contribute to a higher purpose; both of which are precursors to greater positivity and motivation - reinstalling some meaning to our lives and super charging our optimism. This one is the real game changer!
5. Express gratitude
Lastly, when things are uncertain it becomes easier to slip into a negativity bias. We can become lost and confused without a clear sense of being. But look around. Whether we notice it every moment or not, there is plenty to be thankful for. Spend 5 mins a day reflecting on what you are grateful for. Use a diary that you can refer back to as needed. And be sure to express it when you can; with a smile, a thank you, or a random act of kindness. Watch as it fills your cup and those around you.
Building resilience in changing times can be tough for even the strongest among us. It takes practice to become comfortable in discomfort and to fully embrace change - and that’s where our mindfulness training can help. Learn more about how mindfulness can increase resilience here or check out our schedule of upcoming mindfulness classes here.