As the newly infectious Covid variant spreads, it is important to remain calm. Covid has been the deciding factor of these past two years, and as much as we try, its course has been challenging to predict, meaning that we are living in constant uncertainty.
In the past, living in uncertainty was incredibly difficult for me, and it has caused me to spiral out on many occasions. I developed different ways to remain calm even during the most uncertain of times over the past two years. While everyone has different ways of dealing with uncertainty, here is what I do to try and remain calm even during times of uncertainty.
Spending time doing the things I love is how I deal with uncertainty. For me, that includes writing articles, playing Just Dance and spending time with the people I love. It is easy to let uncertainty keep you from doing the things you love due to the sadness and stress that comes with it. However, it is so important to power through those feelings and continue doing the things you love. You never know when things will change. Take the time you have been given and use it to do things that make you happy. That is one thing I was reminded of while I was home for winter break with the new variant spreading.
Another way that I deal with uncertainty is by reminding myself that I can only control myself. I cannot control the new variant or how it spreads, but I can control how I respond to it and take the necessary precautions to keep myself and my family safe. Sometimes, we can get so caught up in how we cannot control other forces that it consumes us, and simply reminding ourselves that we can only control what we can control makes our lives better. The best way of dealing with uncertainty is not by waiting for it to end but by controlling our actions and doing our best while the period endures, and once it ends, we can look back at ourselves and be proud of how we handled things.
Taking the time to relax is needed, but it is essential during periods of uncertainty. I like to do something such as yoga or meditation that helps me relax and calm down. I feel like by doing that, I am so much more centered as a person. Other people engage in running or exercise, and I’ve found that it stresses me out. But if that is something you feel betters you and makes you relax, go for it! This is all about finding what relaxes you and using it to get through periods of uncertainty.
Finally, this applies to Covid times but if you can, safely see the people you love. Even with the Omicron variant spreading, if you are vaccinated and boosted and get tested regularly, you should still be able to see the people you love. Social interaction is essential, and if you go without it for too long, it can be detrimental to your mental health. If you are worried, wear masks but this time around, going without social interaction shouldn’t be the norm.
During this time of uncertainty, you may not feel safe going out to eat or going to a movie, but one way to cope with the uncertainty of these times is to see the people you love safely. If in-person social interaction isn’t an option for you, then Facetime or call the people you love. You will feel better, and it will help you to feel like you are not alone during these times.
While this period of uncertainty has felt like it will last forever, one day it will end, and we will be so happy. For now, the best way of getting through it is just by getting through it.
I hope these tips were helpful and until next time, collegiettes!