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Brittany Garcia, LCPC Many people are feeling a heightened sense of stress right now. Between economic shifts, changes in communities, health concerns, changes in the education system, funding shifts, and the pace of news and world events, it can feel like stability is hard to come by. When the future feels unpredictable, it’s natural for anxiety and worry to increase. Stress connected to uncertainty doesn’t just live in our thoughts — it affects our bodies and relationships, too. Trouble sleeping, irritability, difficulty focusing, or a sense of being “on edge” are common experiences when we’re carrying more than usual. While there may be a lot of stressors that you cannot currently control, you do have control over caring for yourself and how you respond to these shifts. Coping with Uncertainty 1. Stay Grounded in the Present. Uncertainty pulls our minds into the “what ifs.” Mindfulness practices — even something as simple as pausing to notice your breath or your surroundings — can bring you back to the here and now. A common grounding activity I sometimes use in sessions is to notice 5 things you can see, 4 things you can physically feel, 3 things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste. Practice mindful meditation, get out into nature, play with your dog- whatever brings your attention to the current moment. 2. Limit Information Overload Find a balance between being informed, and taking breaks from exposure to news and social media. Set boundaries around how and when you consume information. 3. Focus on What You Can Control When so much feels unpredictable, small, intentional actions can restore a sense of stability. This may look like setting routines, making healthy choices, or focusing on manageable goals each day. There are already so many small things that you are choosing each day, like the clothes you put on when you get ready, bring your attention to these choices. 4. Lean on Support Talk with trusted friends, family, or professionals. Prioritize community and connection. 5. Care for Your Body Focus on quality sleep, movement, and balanced nutrition widens the window of what you are able to tolerate, and prevents the added stress of feeling unwell, fatigued, or missing work. 6. Give Yourself Permission to Rest You don’t need to be productive every moment to have value. Rest and self-compassion are vital when everything feels heavy. Finding Balance It’s okay to acknowledge feelings that you are going through challenging times. Name what you are feeling and explore what you need to care for yourself and appropriately show up for those around you. If uncertainty is weighing heavily on your mental health, there is support. Reaching out to a therapist can help you find coping skills, grounding, and a safe place to process what you’re experiencing.  |
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