Uncertainty can be the root of all anxieties. Not knowing your next move or what the future holds for you can be scary, but it’s how you look at it that puts you in a more relaxed state of uncertainty. There are a lot of times in life that will lead to the anxiety-inducing, answerless question of “Now, what?” What to do after college, what to do after you quit a job, what to do when you don’t know what comes next.
First off, take the pressure off of things you can’t control. Once you understand that you cannot control the unknown, it will help you realize that there’s nothing you can do, and you must trust the process. Take faith in the idea that it will work out eventually, and there’s not much else you can do. Check it off of your to-do list and try to forget the uncertainty.
Take time for yourself during this stressful time of uncertainty. Now is the time to throw yourself into your New Year’s resolutions and take care of yourself. Eat as healthy as you can, exercise more, meditate or pray, or talk to someone about what you are feeling. Looking at ways to better yourself can help you deal with uncertainty.
If your uncertainty stems from something looming about an unsuccessful situation, flip the script and think about all that you have accomplished. Changing your view on the situation will take away power and focus from the uncertain situation. If you just quit your job and don’t know what to do next, slow down and think about all the possibilities you know you have and how much happier you will be soon at a job you like.
Do things you like; this will help distract you for some time while you are able to start the other tips. Go to the movies, watch TV, go hiking, go out with friends, do anything to distract you. Keep in mind that even if you distract yourself from whatever the uncertain situation may be, you still need to address the underlying issue of control and letting go of it. Do whatever you need to distract yourself, but don’t take this and run with it. You still need to take care of the point of view in which you view the uncertainty and take care of how you handle the situation.
Talking to someone you trust about the anxiety and stress of an uncertain situation will take off a huge burden from your shoulders. Talk to a parent or friend or therapist with whom you feel comfortable discussing your plans, ideas and insecurities about the uncertain future. If you believe in psychics or tarot card readers and truly feel that they would make you feel better, then go for it. Like I said above, whatever eases your anxiety in a healthy, productive way, do it. Never forget the underlying issue of stress coming from uncertainty, which is control. Take away the control, and you will feel a lot better and more at ease with not knowing what your future may hold and what it could look like. In the end, you can make it all work out, and you have to believe that your close circle of friends and family will help you no matter what.
