Posted February 3, Reviewed by Davia Sills. Stress and uncertainty are inevitable parts of life. I find myself reaching for my tried-and-true coping strategies more than ever, and I want to share some of them with you. It could be a phone call with my sister, a text to a friend checking in, or a casual chat with a colleague. Movement is an essential coping strategy for me. My go-to form of exercise is walking, but stretching and dancing also feel good and help me stop worrying and catastrophizing.
Remember, movement helps move stress hormones out of the body, allowing us to relax. The fresh air, daylight, and beauty of nature help put things in perspective. One of the hardest parts of uncertainty is feeling powerless. I also prioritize engaging in joyful activities. I actively do things that bring me joy, even small things like reading a novel, listening to music, playing with a pet, or working on a creative project.
These activities have the added benefit of keeping me off social media or the news, which tends to add to my stress level.
Another way I cope with uncertainty is to revisit familiar favorites. During stressful times, rewatching my favorite TV shows and rereading cherished books is comforting and not a waste of time!
Reconnecting with my favorite characters and knowing what happens next in a story offers needed comfort and predictability when I feel overwhelmed.
