Willow Vine Counselling

There are times that create a great deal of uncertainty, all of us are living through one of those times now. During times where uncertainty and the unknown run high anxiety and stress often takes over and our minds take us to the worst-case scenario.

What does it mean?

Even when the odds of something bad will happen are small, that small chance is enough to really upset us and create a space of stress and anxiety. This is called “intolerance of anxiety”, which increases anxiety and increases our thoughts of worry about it as we try and find some certainty – by planning and prepping for the positive negative future event.

What effect does it have?

Although the worrying may help us feel more in control, it doesn’t change the possible future event. By taking yourself out of the present, and worrying about the future, you feel less able to cope with what is going on right now.

Ok, so what can you do about it?
Awareness: what do you find yourself doing when you are needing certainty? This could be thoughts, actions, etc. Bring yourself back to the present.
Pause: take a breath, by pausing and taking a breath, you are able to slow down, to notice and to ground yourself. When you take a breath, notice if you can deepen your breath, allowing it fill your belly.
Present focused: what can you do to help you be present focused? Find what works best for you in the moment – it could be movement, mindfulness, breath, etc.
Let Go: what can you do to help yourself let go of your need for certainty? This may take a little time and practice to find what really resonates for you – it could be writing in a journal, movement, mindfulness, meditation, art, etc.

This will be an ever changing situation, find what tools work best for you, that resonate with you and that you can incorporate into your daily life.

If you find yourself getting overwhelmed and it’s effecting your daily life, seek out the help and guidance of a professional.

info@willowvinecounsellingandyogatherapy.ca

(613) 690 - 4075