Do you ever find yourself feeling overwhelmed, uneasy, or restless during times of uncertainty? Well, you’re not alone. Anxiety has a way of creeping in when we least expect it, especially during seasons of uncertainty. In this article, we will explore the intricacies of anxiety, delve into its symptoms, examine the factors that influence its intensity, and discover effective coping strategies to navigate through these challenging times.
Just this past week, several executive conversations revealed an elevated sense of anxiety. As we dived below the surface of symptoms, we discovered what they all had in common.
Uncertainty.
Symptoms of Anxiety in Uncertain Times
SYMPTOMS: difficulty sleeping, negative and defensive thinking, nervous energy, depression, a sense of threat and fear, aggressiveness, a lack of focus, and looking over the fence.
Factors Influencing Anxiety During Seasons of Uncertainty
I’ve experienced seasons and events of uncertainty multiple times in my life. Sometimes I navigated these well and other times, not so much. The level of anxiety we experience during times like these is probably associated with several factors:
- Our holistic and mental health prior to the season
- The weight of what is at stake
- Our experience in dealing with uncertainty
- The object of our faith
Coping Strategies for Dealing with Anxiety in Seasons of Uncertainty
So if you’re not sure what to do, consider these concepts:
- First of all, if you’re in a season of uncertainty, say so. Say it to yourself and say it aloud. Share it also with a trusted mentor. Calling it out exposes it and identifies it as temporary.
- It’s hard. Don’t deny it. Confess it. This humbles you and there is a supernatural power that comes to strengthen the humble.
- Pay attention to where you are placing your faith. If you’re placing it on an outcome, then it is misplaced. Instead, place your faith in God. The long term. Be still and remember who is really in control.
- Imagine the worst outcome. Live with it, accept it, embrace it. This will drain the power out of the fear.
- Focus on the controllable and be faithful to those. Release the uncontrollable like setting doves free from their cage.
- Lastly, if there is a time to take care of yourself, this is the time. Not self-medicating. Not wasting time. Investing in healthy activities. Learn something new. Get physical. Read. Attend a conference or workshop. Just do something productive in general.
Undoubtedly, times of uncertainty come and go. They benefit you by building greater tolerance for pressure. Sometimes leadership can be measured simply by how much pressure a person can endure. So try to get out of the way, and let the train pass through.
Explore More Content
Indeed, learning about your anxieties puts you a step closer to better mental health. Continue your self-care journey by listening to these podcasts where you’ll find a wealth of knowledge, personal stories, and practical tips to empower your mental well-being.
- Epi 9: Hope for Depression: Recognizing & Addressing Mental Health Issues
- Episode 31: Mental Health & Healing Leadership with Andy Herod
- Episode 67: Trauma Healing for Everyone with REBOOT Recovery
You may also want to take a gander at our blogs and podcast pages for the complete catalog of diverse topics covered.
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