How are you handling unpredictable events around you? Uncertainty in your professional or personal life often triggers stress and anxiety. We must accept that uncertainty is generally an unavoidable part of our lives. The fear of unknown or uncomfortable changes can trigger a physiological state of stress which can increase heart rate, surge hormones & chronic stress which can impact our health badly. It's going to be almost a year into pandemic and as we all know that uncertainty was something very constant in this past year. Here is my approach to handle uncertainty with GRACE:
Acceptance
Let's reflect on this thought that life is uncertain and always has been. We don’t want uncertainty but yet it is part of our life. Practicing accepting the situation or accepting the anxiety/stress induced by uncertainty can actually bring our minds in a controlled state. Even though life’s unpredictability doesn’t always seem positive, let's be realistic that not everything is in our control. Let go and have faith that everything will unfold for the best.
Self Compassion
Practice feeling your feelings. Even though the feeling is uncomfortable, remind yourself that you're feeling perfectly normal and it is ok to feel how you are feeling. Show yourself much needed love and compassion by NOT avoiding your emotions. Sometimes we fight against what we feel and that just increases our stress. Observe what you are thinking and how you are responding. Feel your feelings, allow yourself to just be, take a pause and allow space for your response.
Let Go
Let go and move on by bringing your focus on what you can control. You can control your mind to focus on the positive side. It's a simple choice that we must make in pretty much every situation. Write a list of things that you can control and work towards them. The unwillingness of intolerance towards change can make us more sufferable. Block all the noise and just focus on yourself, your household and your daily routine which you can still control for good. Which brings me to my next point.
Schedule
Create a daily routine or a schedule for yourself and with your family members. Having consistency in your daily routine not only keeps you in control but can also distract you from the unpredictable events. Knowing what to do next will bring an instant switch in your mind and you can shift your focus on doing more productive things. Go to bed at the same time and wake up at the same time each day, eat your meals at the same time and workout at the same time each day. Practice self care routine and stay in the present. Having a routine will provide you with some much needed structure. Remember to always update your schedule as events change.
Gratitude
Write a list of things that you are thankful for and read the list out loud. In my family we practice gratitude during our kids' bedtime. Four of us share at least one thing that we are thankful for for the day and it brings instant smiles on our faces. Hearing ourselves and/or our family members do what we are grateful for can bring our focus to good things in our lives. Express as much gratitude as you can. Being grateful can help you stay present in the moment and be mindful of what’s going on around you. My Gratitude: “I am thankful to practice yoga for 25 minutes even though I didn’t feel like initially”, “ I am thankful that we had leftovers in our fridge and we used them as our dinner last night”
Seek Help
If uncertainty and anxieties related to it is affecting your life severely - please seek help. Taking steps to help yourself could be: joining a support group, talking to a friend or a family member, journaling, downloading a mental health app or booking an appointment with a local therapist in your area, Choose to first help yourself and then allow others or other resources to help you. Also, help others as much as you can. Sometimes when we help we actually help ourselves too. Contact me I will be happy to help you.
Graceful and composed actions give us an instant upgrade in our lives. Embracing changes and generally anything in life with grace makes us a better person. Being compassionate and gentle towards ourselves and people around us is much needed. Stop judging anyone including yourself, forgive, let go & accept. Please allow me to help you practice a little routine that I call:
Love Notes to Myself Practice
Take a deep breath in, straighten your back, Breathe out
Breathe in, roll your shoulders back, lengthen your neck & breathe out
Breathe in, rotate your neck, relax your legs & breathe out.
Affirm:
I am safe at this very moment.
Life is always working for me.
I believe in my ability to figure things out
I free myself from all destructive fears and doubts.
I accept myself and create peace in my mind and heart.
I rise above thoughts that attempt to make me angry or afraid.
If you enjoyed reading this please like, share and comment below to tell us what you are grateful for. Thank you.
Credits: The last four affirmations are from Louise Hay’s book You can Heal Your life.
Health Love & Light,
Namaste.
Manika
