Over the past few months, I’ve been sharing information about the real-life impact of changes to policies.
Living in the fuzzy zone of uncertainty is a teacher about what is yours to “control”. Competing “high-impact” matters are dominating life these days. How are you managing what’s within your control amidst uncertainty?
Living in the fuzzy zone of uncertainty is a teacher about what is yours to “control”. What is control? One definition of control is: “the power to influence or direct people’s behavior or the course of events.”
Many experts suggest various ways to accept and reframe uncertainty. Something I find helpful is to consider what ways can be useful to me and start there.
Focus
What you focus on is important. Here are some suggestions from various behavioral health professionals.
- Identify your “circle of influence”: Recognize the aspects of a situation you can influence and shift your attention to those areas.
- Set small, achievable goals: Focus on short-term actions within your control, breaking down larger goals into manageable steps.
- Develop routines: Establish a daily rhythm with set times for meals, sleep, exercise, and hobbies to create a sense of stability and predictability.
- Prioritize self-care: Ensure adequate sleep, nutritious meals, and regular physical activity to support your mental and physical health.
- Manage media consumption: Limit exposure to overwhelming news and social media, curating your sources and setting boundaries around information intake.
A few other suggestions that can help are:
- Concentrate on things you can do for others
- Go off-grid and enjoy activities that lift your spirits
Support Systems
Having and maintaining support systems is helpful during uncertain times. Here are some helpful suggestions.
- Stay connected with family and friends: Reach out to your loved ones for emotional support and share your feelings openly.
- Build a supportive network: Develop trust, rapport, and empathy with colleagues, peers, mentors, and friends.
- Engage in social activities: Participate in activities that strengthen community ties and foster a sense of belonging.
- Seek professional help when needed: If struggling to cope, reach out to a mental health professional for therapy and guidance.
Develop Resilience Skills
Resilience refers to the ability to adapt to stressors and maintain psychological well-being in the face of adversity. Some suggested ways to develop these skills include:
- Practice stress management techniques: Explore techniques like yoga, meditation, deep breathing, or prayer to manage stress and promote relaxation.
- Embrace flexibility and adaptability: Remain open to evolving solutions and adjust your approach as new information emerges.
- Engage in meaningful activities: Structure your days with activities that resonate with your core values and provide a sense of purpose.
- Learn from past experiences: Reflect on how you’ve overcome past challenges and identify what strategies worked well.
Emotions and Stress
During times of uncertainty, emotions and stress are prevalent. I’ve learned over the years how to develop laser-like calm and focus. I do this by focusing on what is happening now and acting upon what I can do in that moment.
It’s not easy, yet it is possible. I had a reminder this week when I smelled smoke, saw smoke, and within 3 minutes, police and firefighters were on scene in my complex, telling us to evacuate. After assessing the proximity, I texted my neighbors, grabbed my prepared “Go Bags”, packed my car, and left.
Were there emotions, yes. Was it stressful, yes. Did I focus on what was needed in that moment, yes. Did it help, yes! And, all’s well that ends well. Thanks to the phenomenal Firefights from CalFire, Riverside County, and Pechanga, forward progress was stopped within two hours, allowing me to return home.
If there’s one lesson I learned, it’s humbling to realize what really matters. Our community was out late, everyone talking about what was most important to them. People, Pets, and important Papers in case we needed to start over again.
This was also a reminder of why I do what I do now. Do you have “Go Bags” ready to go? I’m happy to help you prepare yours!
Send me an Email or Book a Time with Lynn if you’d like to Zoom connect. For additional information about my work, check out @ The Living Planner or @ The Living Planner.
If you’re up for pre-planning, my book is a resource for you. The Living Planner What to Prepare Now While You Are Living © Check it out HERE.
Quote for the week: “You have to be flexible, go with the flow sometimes, and get creative with things that’s thrown at you.” Latto
Grab and Go, here we Go! Lynn
#Can’tPredict #CanPrepare #CareForPeople #CareForBusiness