Positive Steps -7 ways people can help to keep calm and reduce any uncertainty

Staying calm in worrying situations is possible, all you need is some regular practice. Here are some of the things I do to help me.


1. Slow down


If possible, do not react immediately. Instead, be patient and try to recognize your emotions. People who are good at dealing with uncertainty are cautious of their fear and recognise it as soon as it begins to appear. Once they are aware of the fear, they label irrational thoughts before they intensify and gets out of control. Then they can focus more accurately and rationally on the information and seeking solution


2. Breathe


The next time you are faced with a stressful situation, stop what you are doing for one minute and perform the following steps:



  • Take five deep breaths in and out

  • Imagine all that stress leaving your body with each exhale


3. Loosen up


Perform a quick body scan to identify areas that are tight and tense.


Gently touch or massage any of your body parts that are under tension to promote complete relaxation. It might help to imagine you are in a place that calms you (for example, beach or forest)


4. Disconnect


Pull away from the situation for a while, even if only for an hour or two. When you give yourself time to process a dilemma and the surrounding emotions, you will be able to approach the situation with a fresh perspective


5. Call a trusted friend or mentor


Use your support system and do not be afraid to ask for advice with a stressful situation. Someone who is not emotionally invested in the situation will be able to see the problem from a different perspective and can help you arrive at potential solutions. When you reach out to people you trust and respect, you will feel more grounded


6. Look at the Big Picture


The next time you find your stress level shoot up, take a deep breath, and ask yourself:


Will this matter to me…?



  • Next month?

  • Next year?

  • In 10 years?


Most of the things that stresses you would not matter the next week, maybe not even the next day


7. Practice Patience Every Day


“Have a patience. All things are difficult before they become easy”- Saadi


Here are a few simple ways to practice patience every day, increasing your ability to remain calm in times of uncertainty:



  • The next time you go to the grocery store, get in the longest line.

  • Take a long walk through a secluded park or trail