I thought this was worth sharing!
The problem with coming up to the age of 75, and aware that I am close to the average life expectancy in the US, is that one increasingly worries about stuff. Such as it seems like the world is becoming more unsettled. But then it is put down to age!
But this article does imply that it is a more unsettled world and we should take notice. Republished with permission.
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5 tips for surviving in an increasingly uncertain world
Jelena Kecmanovic, Georgetown University
A recent study showed that North Americans are becoming less tolerant of uncertainty.
The U.S. presidential impeachment inquiry has added another layer of uncertainty to an already unstable situation that includes political polarization and the effects of climate change.
As a clinical psychologist in the Washington, D.C. area, I hear people report being stressed, anxious, worried, depressed and angry. Indeed, an American Psychological Association 2017 survey found that 63% of Americans were stressed by “the future of our nation,” and 57% by the “current political climate.”
Humans dislike uncertainty in most situations, but some deal with it better than others. Numerous studies link high intolerance of uncertainty to anxiety and anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, PTSD and eating disorders.
While no one person can reduce the uncertainty of the current political situation, you can learn to decrease intolerance of uncertainty by implementing these scientifically sound strategies.
1. Commit to gradually facing uncertainty
Even though humans encounter uncertain situations every day, we often avoid feeling the discomfort of facing the uncertainty.
When unsure how to best proceed with a work assignment, you might either immediately seek help, over-research or procrastinate. As you prepare for the day, uncertainty about the weather or traffic is quickly short-circuited by checking a phone. Similarly, inquiries about family or friends’ whereabouts or emotions can be instantly gratified by texting or checking social media.
All this avoidance of uncertainty leads to relief in the short run, but lessens your ability to tolerate anything short of complete certainty in the long run.
Tolerance for uncertainty is like a muscle that weakens if not used. So, work that muscle next time you face uncertainty.
Start gradually: Resist the urge to reflexively check your GPS the next time you are lost and aren’t pressured for time. Or go to a concert without Googling the band beforehand. Next, try to sit with the feelings of uncertainty for a while before you pepper your teenager with texts when he is running late. Over time, the discomfort will diminish.
2. Connect to a bigger purpose
Rita Levi-Montalcini was a promising young Jewish scientist when fascists came to power in Italy and she had to go into hiding. As World War II was raging, she set up a secret lab in her parents’ bedroom, studying cell growth. She would later say that the meaning that she derived from her work helped her to deal with the evil outside and with the ultimate uncertainty of whether she would be discovered.
What gives your life meaning? Finding or rediscovering your life purpose can help you deal with uncertainty and the stress and anxiety related to it.
Focusing on what can transcend finite human existence – whether it is religion, spirituality or dedication to a cause – can decrease uncertainty-driven worry and depression.
3. Don’t underestimate your coping ability
You might hate uncertainty because you fear how you would fare if things went badly. And you might distrust your ability to cope with the negative events that life throws your way.
Most people overestimate how bad they will feel when something bad happens. They also tend to underestimate their coping abilities.
It turns out that humans are generally resilient, even in the face of very stressful or traumatic events. If a feared outcome materializes, chances are you will deal with it better than you could now imagine. Remember that the next time uncertainty rears its head.
4. Bolster resilience by increasing self-care
You have probably heard it many times by now: Sleep well, exercise and prioritize social connections if you want to have a long and happy life.
What you might not know is that the quantity and quality of sleep is also related to your ability to deal with uncertainty. Exercise, especially of the cardio variety, can increase your capacity to cope with uncertain situations and lower your stress, anxiety and depression. A new review study suggests that regular exercise may even be able to prevent the onset of anxiety and anxiety disorders.
Possibly the best tool for coping with uncertainty is making sure that you have an active and meaningful social life. Loneliness fundamentally undermines a person’s sense of safety
and makes it very hard to deal with the unpredictable nature of life.
Having even a few close family members or friends imparts a feeling that “we are in this all together,” which can protect you from psychological and physical problems.
5. Appreciate that absolute certainty is impossible
Nothing is certain in life. The sooner you start thinking about that fact, the easier it will be to face it.
Moreover, repeated attempts at predicting and controlling everything in life can backfire, leading to psychological problems like OCD.
In spite of civilization’s great progress, the fantasy of humankind’s absolute control over its environment and fate is still just that – a fantasy. So, I say to embrace the reality of uncertainty and enjoy the ride.
[ You’re smart and curious about the world. So are The Conversation’s authors and editors. You can read us daily by subscribing to our newsletter. ]
Jelena Kecmanovic, Adjunct Professor of Psychology, Georgetown University
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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Now whatever uncertainty exists in your life a dog or two will make things a great deal better.
That’s a fact!
All of these points are a good way to live your life. Uncertainty is perhaps the hardest thing to deal with.
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Yes, I agree, Susan. Uncertainty by its very definition prevents one from just about doing anything. It’s a very debilitating problem.
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Agreed!
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Interesting article and very useful to follow, Paul.
Uncertainty is a hard one to fight with, better to learn to cope with it.
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Yes, Irene, it’s a hard one to fight. But never let uncertainty get the better of one!
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The constant, unrelenting bombarding by the current occupant of the White House is enough to make anyone question the factors contributing to being stressed, anxious, worried, depressed and angry. He’s certainly contributing to the unease and unrest many of us are feeling.
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Millions share your opinion, Monika. Thank you!
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Whilst I greatly value personal freedom, I think that a culture of excessive individuality and an over emphasis on individual ‘success’ and prosperity can lead to anxiety and uncertainty for many people. This is especially true the older one gets or the more vulnerable one is feeling because of loss of employment, Ill health, family breakdown etc.
I think what the US lacks is a political system that reinforces a sense of community, of looking out for each other, of economic fairness and the right of every individual to have the basic requirements of life – clean air and water, food, shelter and health care. To that I would add a feeling of safety from serious violence or crime – a problem made worse in the US by the 2nd Amendment of the Constitution.
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Don’t you think that many other countries lack the politics that enhance community? I don’t think it’s a problem, specifically, of the USA. Indeed, here in Oregon there’s quite a sense of community; it’s a very rural State.
However I do share your unease, Margaret, over the Second Amendment.
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I’m glad to hear that you live in a very community oriented area Paul. That no doubt is because of the nature and personalities of the people living there. (Oregon too is more ‘progressive’ than most other US states, as well as being more racially homogenous than the average.)
I was thinking more of the social and welfare systems that are legislated by Governments for the common good. For example, Ive read that the greatest reason for bankruptcy and for forced sale of houses in the US is medical expenses. That simply does not occur in other western countries. No doubt the lack of inexpensive, guaranteed and high quality heath care is a major cause of uncertainty and insecurity for many Americans.
These articles may be of interest to you, although as a British citizen, I think you might already be aware of the information and ideas therein.
https://www.cairn.info/revue-horizons-strategiques-2006-2-page-51.htm#
Click to access why_doesnt_the_u.s._have_a_european-style_welfare_state.pdf
https://rm.coe.int/pecs-mainstreaming-of-social-cohesion/16807809f1
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Now you focus on something that I agree with strongly, Margaret. But again it’s not the only country. Britain, for example, once the home of a very competent NHS has let things slide. But returning to the USA the problem is taxation. Too many super rich persons pay too little tax. That is inequality at its worst.
I’ll go to the links now!
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