The truth is,
change is always happening, whether we like it or not. Don't believe me?
Take a minute to reflect on the last 5 or 10 years. How is life different? Did it turn out exactly as you had planned? If you're like most people (aka everyone), the answer is probably no.
In life, change is inevitable. No matter what we do, everything either changes or ends. Sometimes change happens that we don't expect, and it can be really frightening and unsettling. I can tell you as a palliative care physician who has seen a lot of death and dying, one of the things that people fear the most is not so much change but the uncertainty that comes with it. I remember this feeling all too much when I found out about my genetic mutation at 26. There were times that I had paralyzing fear and anxiety, especially as I was sitting at the bedside of several young women, some of whom had the same genetic mutation as me, caring for them as they neared the end of their life here on Earth.
One of the things that I have learnt is that we can't control everything -- this is especially true when our personal lives and the world around us seems to be in chaos. And at some point, I think we all come to this realization (ahem hello 2020!). No matter how much we plan or how hard we try, there will always be variables beyond our control and what I have learnt is whatever you "resist will persist". Change can be tough to deal with. It can be scary and make us feel out of control. But it's important to remember that we are not alone.
One of the coping mechanisms that has really helped me, especially through the last couple of years, is the idea of "embracing the chaos". This isn't always easy but if we can learn to control our reactions to change and learn to flow with the changes in our lives, it can be quite freeing.
During uncertain times it's important to remember a few things:
First, the emotions that we feel during these times is completely normal;
Second,
as Peloton instructor, Robin Arzon says “You’ve made it past 100% of your bad days”,
And third, we are capable of adapting and growing despite our circumstances. You’ve done it before, and you can do it again! In this blog post, I'm excited to share five ways for coping with change and uncertainty that have really changed my life! Let’s dive in!
1. Move Your Body
Exercise
is probably one of the most effective ways to manages stress, depression, anxiety, and uncertainty. When we move our bodies, it releases endorphins which have mood-boosting benefits. Exercise also helps to improve our
sleep quality, which can be negatively affected by stress. Additionally, exercise increases our
energy levels and helps us to better focus and concentrate. And when we're feeling more energetic and focused, we're better able to handle whatever life throws our way.
