Navigating Change

Debi Levine, MS, LMFT

5 Helpful Tips for Living with Uncertainty

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We live in uncertain times. That seems to be the theme of so many conversations with family, friends, and clients these days. I keep working to hold fast to the “be patient/live simply” model that my parents practiced. Most days it works. According to my kids growing up we live a boring life… But, it has kept us safe and out of trouble.

Anyway, I keep my eye out for articles and tips that come my way hoping that my readers will find them useful. The following comes from a blog I follow called Purpose Fairy.

http://www.purposefairy.com/65537/5-helpful-tips-for-living-with-uncertainty/

Tell us about the uncertainties that affect you.

Anxiety Doesn’t Have to Bring You Down

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When life gets complicated — our plate is too full or something unexpected throws us a curve ball, anxiety can hit hard. How to stabilize and not let it get the better of you?

Here is how to move beyond anxiety when it hits…

1.   Keep breathing… Take controlled breaths.
2.   Work to keep your mental awareness and physical being steady and in focus.
3.   Practice relaxation techniques. Have a system or method in place that works well for you.
4.   In the heat of crisis create temporary physical and emotional space from the problem. Come back to the problem and begin to process and deal with it later, on your terms.
5.   First things first.
6.   Keep up a simple daily routine.
7.   Establish realistic priorities.
8.   Maintain clear and healthy boundaries.
9.   Reach out to those that you trust and respect. Stay connected.
10. Maintain a simple and healthy lifestyle — adequate rest, good food, regular exercise.
11. Roll with the punches. Keep boundaries and priorities in focus, yet be flexible.
12. Move slowly through the process of understanding, accepting, and coping with event/change/crisis. Allow time to unfold. Do not hurry through your grief and/or fear.
13. Allow time to unfold as needed so that you feel like you are in control of yourself rather than someone or something else controlling you.
14. Turn to your spiritual core — prayer, religion, meaningful practices.
15. Help others as you are able. Practice altruism.
16. Be a good role model.
17. Trust the process…

Having a solid plan for dealing with problems that naturally occur in life reduces anxiety and helps us cope better.

Share tips that work for you in mastering anxiety when it gets the better of you.

Adrift in a Sea of Confused Emotions

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Our local newspaper had an interesting “Dear Abby” article recently. It is worth summarizing and offers helpful resources.

A young man writes that he feels “lost and unfulfilled,” adding that he does not know what he “wants or deserves.” He offers some family history, admits to drinking more, and ultimately dropping out of college. He sounds quite lost and discouraged and asks Abby what he can do.

Abby’s reply suggests that the young many seek out a group that will offer emotional support so that he can hopefully get back on track and regain control of his life. She suggests a group called  Emotions Anonymous. Founded in 1971, this group has 850 chapters worldwide and 450 in the United States. It is a 12-step program for people experiencing emotional difficulties. In these groups, members help each other by sharing experiences, strengths, and hopes in order to improve emotional health. Books and literature are offered to new and existing groups.

Emotions Anonymous

Website — www.emotionsanonymous.org

E-mail — eainfo@emotionsanonymous.org

Confused emotions affect relationships and quality of life for people of all ages. I would also suggest to this young man that he consult with his primary care physician to rule out any underlying medical problems, such as depression. He may also benefit from working with a skilled therapist to explore interpersonal, family of origin, and relationship issues. Group therapy can be a valuable resource, too. Healthy eating, regular exercise, and adequate rest are important practices that help stabilize this young man as he learns new ways to improve his emotional well-being.

Sea of Emotions