With so much change going on in the world, uncertainty is a key component. Many deal with uncertainty with anxiety. Eco-anxiety is a type of anxiety experienced, due to manifestation of ecological impacts of climate change, deforestation, etc. (no need to list them all, you get the point).
Uncertainty not only generates anxiety but also feelings of helplessness. Helpless to impact change on the focus of the anxiety. I’ve said it myself; it doesn’t really help to worry. So, the question is, how can we break out of an eco-anxiety (or anxiety in general) vicious cycle?
Anxiety Canada suggests to first understand your own uncertainty related anxiety behaviours. For example, are you a procrastinator? Do you seek assurance from others? Do you do a lot of double checking? Do you avoid certain situations or people? These are all typical anxiety behaviours.
The good news for those that suffer from anxiety is, once you have identified the behaviours related to uncertainty, those behaviours can be changed. It takes work of course but, instead of avoiding, embracing. Instead of micro-management, trust in others. The clincher is to write it down, when you act differently from a typical anxiety behaviour and stick with it.
Acting that you are tolerating the uncertainty, shakes up the whole equation. Then writing it down shows the work.
As advised by Anxiety Canada, “as you start acting more and more “as if” you are comfortable with uncertainty, it will get easier and become a part of your life. Think of it like building a muscle; you need to do your exercises every day if you want that muscle to get strong!
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