Facing Uncertainty: Key Strategies to Adjust and Find Purpose

In times of uncertainty, it can be hard to feel steady again. Perhaps your normal routines have been disrupted by the current pandemic. Maybe you’re tired of feeling cooped up at home, but you’re not ready to go out again, either. Or maybe you are feeling upset because you’ve had to cancel so many engagements. Now, you’re wondering what you really have to look forward to. Suddenly, nothing about the future feels as certain as it once did. You’re trying to get a grasp on your purpose again, but sometimes, that’s easier said than done.

It’s tough to get back on your feet in uncertain times. If you’re not sure what to do next, these tips may help you figure out a new path.

Allow Yourself to Feel

It can be tempting to try to suppress your feelings and move on quickly. You might try to brush your emotions under the rug and avoid processing your thoughts. But this method will only result in more pain and confusion down the road. Instead, you need to truly allow yourself to feel everything on your mind. Don’t try to rush this - give yourself all of the space and time you need.

Get Grounded

When life is uncertain, it can be helpful to rely on grounding practices to gain a sense of stability again. For you, this might mean creating morning and evening routines that will make your days feel a bit more predictable. Maybe you’ll want to start going for a walk around the same time every day. Perhaps you’ll choose to incorporate yoga and meditation sessions into your schedule for your mental and physical wellbeing.

Keep in Touch With Loved Ones

Sometimes, it can be tough to open up to your loved ones when you’re going through a difficult time. But your loved ones would want to know if there were anything they could do to help. You may feel nervous to admit that you’re feeling down and confused, but chances are, they can relate. It always helps to have a shoulder to lean on, so don’t be afraid to pick up the phone and call a friend or relative.

Take Time to Reflect

You may feel like everything in your life has changed unexpectedly. In order to decide what your next steps should be, you’ll need time to reflect on everything you’ve been through. This is a good time to start journaling on a regular basis. You don’t need to be a writer to keep a journal! And since everything you write down will be private, you’re free to say whatever you like. This is a space where you can be completely honest, so don’t worry about what anyone else would think.

Find a Way to Serve Others

Many people find a sense of purpose when they give to others without expecting anything in return. If you can find a way to give back to your community, you may find that you feel more grounded and confident in the future. When you volunteer in some way, you can use your talents to be part of something bigger than yourself. Even if things have gone wrong in your own life, knowing that you can help others is very fulfilling. You may even gain new friends from this experience.

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Looking back at the past few months, you may feel as though your life was turned upside down. If you’re struggling to adjust to the uncertainty of these times and build a new foundation for your life, talking to a therapist might help. Please read more about how counseling for life changes can boost a sense of clarity and improve your outlook. Reach out to us today to discuss your options for scheduling your first session.