With the transition into spring comes a period of growth and change, from the end of the academic year and graduation ceremonies to longer days, more time outdoors, or shifting roles. While these changes can feel exciting, they can also bring stress as we adjust to the unknown. Periods of transition often create a sense of uncertainty and disruption to our usual routines, which can lead to a natural stress response. It can feel especially difficult to cope when your sense of control is challenged and unexpected events arise. Navigating uncertainty can impact your daily life, including your behaviors, social interactions, and relationships. So, how can we manage uncertainty and embrace changes?
Strategies than can help you manage uncertainty:
- Focus on what you can control and ask yourself, “Is this something I can directly change or influence right now?” If your answer is “no” then shift your focus to something that you can directly change.
- Avoid making assumptions about the future. When social media or news outlets increase feelings of worry or fear, consider limiting social media and news to help you reconnect with the present moment. Ground yourself by noticing what is happening right now and engaging fully with your surroundings.
- Question your negative thinking patterns. Our minds typically jump to the worst case scenario when we feel dysregulated or out of our routines. Having a journal or safe space to process your thoughts can help reduce those negative thoughts and you can engage in these questions to help get you started:
- What can I control about the situation?
- Is this likely to be as terrible as my fear is telling me?
- What can I shift my focus to instead?
- Stay social and seek support when stress may tempt you to isolate yourself. Reaching out to friends and family to talk about what’s going on can help you cope and remind you that you’re not alone.
Putting these strategies into practice:
Over the next few weeks, challenge yourself to do at least one small thing each day to help manage and accept uncertainty while reducing stress. Keep track of the day, the activity, and how you felt afterward as this can help you discover which strategies work best for you and when to use them most effectively.