There’s a lot of uncertainty around us – and that can often be anxiety-provoking. While it can feel very uncomfortable, it doesn’t have to keep us from taking care of ourselves and one another, said Craig Rooney, PhD, URMC’s chief wellbeing officer.
“Whether you’re feeling stressed or uncertain as a result of national and world events, the long winter, work, or family life, some simple, common-sense steps may help you feel better,” Rooney said. “And if you’re a clinician, they may help your patients, too.”
It starts with acknowledging the distress you feel and giving yourself permission to feel it. Then, you can work on managing the impact by:
- Stay informed and connected but avoid overconsuming media and doomscrolling social media in a way that leaves you feeling anxious.
- Defend your sleep; avoid exposing yourself to stressful news or social media feeds right at bedtime.
- Make a positive move for your health, such as exercising, connecting with family and friends or a spiritual leader you trust, journaling, or spending time in nature.
- At work, look for opportunities to share messages of support for our common mission and purpose.
- Recognize that not everyone processes uncertainty in the same ways you do.
- Consider professional help: coping with uncertainty is a perfectly valid reason for getting counseling or talking with your primary care provider
“We know finding time for self-care isn’t always easy, and we know that it’s not a cure-all—the stressors in all our lives will remain present, after all—but it is something we can control,” Rooney said.
Rooney also noted that self-care advice is founded in sound science. Numerous studies show links between media overload and stress, for example. And even a few minutes of exercise a day—from a five-minute stretch to a walk around the block—has been shown to be helpful.
“We’re not suggesting that everyone has to make huge changes in their lives,” Rooney said. “Anyone — URMC faculty and staff and the patients we serve — can benefit from even the smallest steps. Any effort toward self-care is a positive step for your wellness in these uncertain times.”