Finding Calm in the Midst of Uncertainty

In the midst of chaos and uncertainty, it’s hard to find calm.  A lot has changed in our lives over the past days, weeks, and months.  With so much changing, and so quickly, it’s hard for our minds to catch up to our present reality.   A sense of uneasiness lurks at every corner of our daily lives, almost feeling surreal. During these unfamiliar times, how can we stay present, finding calm in the midst of uncertainty? 

Acknowledge your feelings

Well, for starters, we have to acknowledge what is causing these unsettling feelings of anxiety and worry.  We must acknowledge that there are things about what is going on in our world we may not like, and that’s okay.  Acknowledging how we feel is an important part of finding the calm in the midst of the storm.

I recently created this drawing to summarize how I have been feeling over the past several weeks. I hope you can relate and know that if your emotions are all over the place, that’s a normal response in times like these.

Focus on what you can control

Next, we must accept that there are things outside the realm of our control.  We can’t control coronavirus or the aftershocks of this virus sweeping into our lives like a tsunami.  We have no control over other people’s thoughts, feelings, and actions. But, we can choose to focus on the things we can control.

What in your life do you have control over? Focus on those things.  Think about the things you can do versus what you can’t. Focus on what’s going right instead of what’s going wrong. As you do, you will slowly allow your mind to shift to thoughts that are helpful and in the present.

Respond through action

After you’ve accepted what you can control, respond through action. Take a walk if you can.  Do something you’ve been wanting to do, but never had time to do it (read a book, art, write in a journal, complete a house project, grow a garden).

Nature hasn’t caught up with the craziness going on around us.  Spring is in full bloom, at least where I live. And what I love about the change of a season is that it reminds me that nothing lasts forever. I especially appreciate the transition to spring, because what was lying dormant, comes alive. Finding calm can be as easy as spending time in nature. Remind yourself, this too will not last forever. Take comfort in that.

Support others

Now, more than ever, it’s important to support others.  Not only does it help the other person, but it helps you to get out of your head and into the present.  Serving others actually helps makes you feel better. What can you do to help someone? Call someone.

There are many people isolated and alone who need a friendly voice to hear.  Put a darn teddy bear in your window for the young children going on “bear hunts” (the latest trending neighborhood adventure).  Create a zoom meet up. Spread messages of hope. There is enough doom and gloom circling social media to last the rest of our lifetime.  What’s something you can put out into the world that offers support? Do that!

Practice self-compassion

Lastly, give yourself grace.  We are all going through this one day at a time.  You may not be doing things the way you would like to right now and that’s okay! We don’t know what to expect, because we’ve never been through this before.   The silver lining in all of this is that we are not alone. As Diana Ross would say, “Reach out and touch somebody’s hand, make this world a better place, if you can.” And even if you can’t do that in real life, I hope you reach out a connect with someone virtually.

Christy Pennison, LPC-S, is a board-certified professional counselor and owner of Be Inspired Counseling & Consulting. She provides counseling in Alexandria, LA, and specializes in working with children and adolescents through various mental, emotional, and behavioral challenges.  She is passionate about inspiring hope through counseling to help individuals move forward and live fully.