5 Ways to Find Calm Admist Uncertainty

by Rachel Gersten

There’s no question that we’re living in a crazy times. It’s completely normal to feel like you have no idea what you’re doing: we’ve never done this before. Not only are we going through a crisis, guidance is hard to come by because the entire world is doing this for the first time. Women especially often know what it’s like to feel as though we’re carrying the world on our shoulders, and for many of us, COVID just added the world’s heaviest backpack. So how do we cope? Check out these tips to get through the current madness we’re all facing, but also keep them on file for whenever you’re going through a difficult time.

FIND A SIMPLE JOY

Once a day, treat yourself to something that brings you joy. It doesn’t have to be big - watching your favorite TV show, treating yourself to your favorite dessert, going for a run or walk, or having a solo dance party in your living room all count. We’re getting a lot of heavy information and making some big decisions. Balance it out with something that’s just about fun.

LISTEN TO YOUR BODY

It's normal if you feel like you need more rest, even if you're physically doing less. You might not be commuting or going out on weekends, but we’re all using a lot more mental energy to manage everything that’s going on right now. Everyday things like grocery shopping have become stressful. Listen to your body and take some time to rest if you need it.

SET AN INFORMATION LIMIT

It’s important to be informed, but it’s also important to try to avoid feeling overwhelmed. If the news is making you anxious or depressed, set limits for yourself. Watch your favorite morning news show, but that’s it. Use the screen time feature on your phone or set a timer for yourself when you’re scrolling social media. Or generally speaking, stop once you’re no longer learning anything new but just reading the same information stated multiple different ways.

FEEL YOUR FEELINGS

It’s okay to not be okay. You can feel grateful for your health, financial situation, or whatever else your silver lining is while also feeling scared, angry, or frustrated. Sometimes you’ll feel fine and sometimes you might struggle to get out of bed. There’s nothing wrong with having days when you’re just not doing well.

FIND YOUR WHY

Make a list of things you’re going to do when this is over. It can be as simple as giving your best friend the biggest hug of their life. Keep it nearby and look at it to remember your “why” for pushing through this challenging time. We’re all trying to figure out what life looks like during this temporary normal. It’s kind of like we were all dropped on a foreign planet with rules we’ve never heard of before. Don’t forget to show yourself compassion and grace as you figure it all out. This will end eventually and we promise, no matter what life has thrown at you, you are strong enough to make it to the finish line.

Rachel Gersten is a licensed therapist and the co-founder of Viva Wellness, a mental health & wellness practice based in Brooklyn. She believes that a healthy lifestyle looks different on everyone, and works closely with clients to make therapy sessions work for them and what they need. When she’s not busy working, you can find her running in Central Park, cheering on her sports teams, or thinking about the next time she's going to eat.

Follow Rachel here.

Image by Diana Davis Creative