Accepting Uncertainty Can Reduce Anxiety
Recently, many parents have had to decide whether or not to send their children to school. Regardless of their decision, many are feeling anxious. The reality is that with any choice you make in this situation, the outcome may not be guaranteed. And this uncertainty can often lead to anxiety.
Avoid The “What If” Cycle
One strategy to manage this anxiety is to avoid the temptation of engaging in the “what if” cycle.
What if my child gets sick? What if the school year is canceled? What if I get sick? What if I lose my job because I can’t juggle work and childcare at the same time? What if….???
The reality is that nobody has an answer to these questions, and worrying about something that has not yet happened is a poor use of your valuable energy. Medical professionals, educators, politicians, students, parents…regardless of professional training or expertise, no one is able to accurately predict what will happen during this academic year, or how it will affect your child or your family.
Since neither you nor I can predict the future, we can’t be certain that the future will be worse. Nor can we predict that it will be better or the same as what we’ve been through.
All we know is that we are learning more as we go along, and with new knowledge comes more reflection to evaluate your decisions.
Therefore, accept uncertainty. Accept also that uncertainty is uncomfortable and that all you can do is make your decision based on the information you currently have. Choose what will make you feel less stressed and anxious.