
Coping with uncertainty: Seven ways to deal with it
The pandemic has forced us to live in a constant state of flux. To survive, people all over the world have tried coping with uncertainty in their own way. Hirak Patel, counselling psychologist, Fortis Hospital, Mulund, shares a few tips that can help you make it through.
Coping with uncertainty? Here’s how it can take a toll on you
In 2020, when everyone first witnessed the pandemic, they were finding it difficult to adjust initially. There was a feeling of stress, anxiety, fear and a lot of questions and doubts in people’s minds. Why did this happen? When will this pandemic end? These were some of the questions that kept coming up. Constant uncertainty about the pandemic is leading to more stress and worries.
Your guide to dealing with uncertain times
When faced with uncertainty, you have to learn to go with the flow. Some things are beyond your control. Once you accept and make peace with that, you will be able to cope better. Here’s what you need to do…
- Accept the situation and reflect on it
Understand that it is normal to feel certain emotions with everything that is happening around us. One needs to take time to pause, think, and reflect.
- Monitor your health regularly
Keep a constant check on your physical and mental health.
- Identify ways to make yourself feel better
Challenge negative thoughts, and pursue hobbies and interests you enjoy.
- Stick to a routine
Having a routine will give you a sense of accomplishment, control, and can also help you deal with anxiety and unpredictability.
- Practice mindfulness
Mindfulness and doing physical exercise will help you feel relaxed and will reduce anxiety.
- Acknowledge that you can’t control everything
Not everything is in our control. Accepting it and moving ahead, focusing more on what one can control, will help you cope better.
- Maintain a gratitude journal
Focus on the good things that happened during the day. Don’t dwell on what went wrong, instead try and figure out solutions.
Hence, adopting a positive mindset and focusing on solutions rather than the problems is one of the ways of surviving this ‘new normal’.

