Thriving in uncertainty sounds like a great catchline for a resume. In real life? Not so much. Uncertainty can be terrifying. It is absolutely okay to find yourself being unable to cope with new difficulties as they pile up. Contrary to popular belief, having everything under control is overrated!

Taking the time to take care of yourself when you have so many things to do and so many feelings to process may seem a bit self-indulgent. However, it is just as pertinent as the rest of your work. Your work and all those tasks will always be waiting for you. Look after yourself first. Self-care refers to any activity or practice that brings peace to your mind and enhances your emotional well-being. Let’s address the myth of control and explore three self-care practices to help us relax into this uncertain world. 

A healthy body promotes a healthy mind. We have grown up hearing this from our grandparents and parents alike. Only now do we realise how much this rings true! 

Eating healthy will not only boost your immunity but will also help fuel your body better. Focus on ingredients that are sustainable, healthy and rich in nutrients. Try including more fruits and vegetables in your diet to get that pop of colour and micronutrients. You can also try including more organically grown plants to prevent ingesting pesticides or other chemicals that may harm you in the long run. A balanced diet includes at least five servings of fruits and vegetables balanced with high-fibre foods and protein. You could try cutting down some of those saturated and unsaturated oils, but do include them in small amounts. 

One of the most important self-care tips is to keep making new experiences. Nothing helps you move out of your comfort zone more than activities that you have never indulged in. Uncertainty can be terribly lonely: make new friends! Having a shoulder to lean on in such times can help you relax tremendously. Apart from that, you can also learn new skills. Keeping yourself involved in activities can boost your self-confidence immensely. Read a new book, or pick up another hobby! There are many ways to bring new knowledge into your life. This knowledge does not have to mean knowledge in the traditional sense of the word, either. It can be anything you have wanted to learn or know more about but never found yourself able to do so. A new experience or a new activity can provide you with a new purpose. An added sense of purpose to your mind can help it relax in ways unfathomed. They can also serve as a good distraction away from negative thoughts or just overwhelming feelings. 

The biggest inevitability in uncertainty is being unable to know what is coming next. In such times, it becomes very important to be grateful for what you have. Take your time to be grateful for the time you have, for the people in your life, and all the love you find yourself surrounded with. Pause to look at the sky longer, and focus on every breath that makes you alive. Take a moment longer to appreciate the beauty of nature, or savour the new recipe you just tried out. Gratitude is an important part of your mental well-being. Focusing on what works for you instead of what does not will help you align your energies towards the best possible version of yourself. It will also help you free yourself from the shackles of expectations that can often be the number one culprit behind dissatisfaction. Being dissatisfied and uncertain may not be the best possible combination for your emotional well-being. The best way to beat this is to exercise gratitude. It will hardly take five minutes out of your day, but it possesses the power to change the way you perceive your life. At the end of the day, just take some time to reflect on the three good things that happened to you in the day, and express gratitude for them. 

While these are three practices that can help you beat the blues, you can always explore more. More than anything or anyone else, you know what would be the best for you, and you have the power to steer yourself in the right direction. 

As important as practising these techniques is, it is just as important to take a deep breath and just pause when you feel like the walls are closing in on you. Self-care involves taking regular breaks without feeling they are a luxury. Take a deep breath and just relax.