Finding Calm in Chaos.

Uncertainty is one of the hardest things for the human mind to handle. When the future feels unpredictable, our thoughts race, our nervous system goes into overdrive, and stress or anxiety takes control. Whether you’re facing financial stress, job insecurity, political upheaval, health concerns, relationship struggles, or a general sense of unease, uncertainty can leave you feeling powerless.

I know how consuming it can feel — I’ve been there too. I’ve had the sleepless nights, the spirals of “what ifs,” and worries at 2am about things that are out of my control. But I also know this: you can find calm in chaos. By learning to regulate your body, re-frame your thinking, and focus on what you can control, you can build resilience and feel steady even when life feels anything but certain.

Why Uncertainty Feels So Overwhelming

• Our brains crave control. We’re wired to predict and prepare. When the path ahead unfolds into the unknown, our survival instincts kick in.
• Stress comes from thoughts, not just reality. Often, it’s not the situation itself that causes anxiety but the stories we tell ourselves about the situation and what we fear might happen.
• The body responds as if the danger is real. Tight chest, racing heart, shallow breath — our nervous system reacts to imagined futures just as it does to actual threats.

This loop of thoughts and body responses is what makes uncertainty feel so unbearable. The good news is that you can interrupt the cycle. You may not control the future, but you can control how you meet it.

A Map for Uncertain Terrain: Six Common Domains

Uncertainty tends to cluster around certain areas of life. By naming them, you can start to see what’s really at play instead of feeling swallowed by a vague cloud of worry.

1. Financial Uncertainty
   Will there be enough money? How will I handle rising costs or market changes? Money worries often stretch far into imagined futures, magnifying stress.
2. Job & Career Uncertainty
   From industry shifts to layoffs and career transitions, not knowing where you stand at work can shake your confidence and identity.
3. Political & Societal Uncertainty
   Constant news cycles, elections, and global instability can leave you feeling unsafe and powerless.
4. General Anxiety & Everyday Worry
   Sometimes uncertainty is less about one event and more about a low-level hum of dread that drains your energy.
5. Health Uncertainty
   Concerns about test results, illness, ageing, or even fluctuating energy levels can leave you feeling vulnerable.
6. Relationship Uncertainty
   Not knowing where you stand with a partner, family, or friend can trigger deep feelings of fear and insecurity.

How to Cope with Uncertainty and Find Calm in Chaos

1. Regulate Your Nervous System

You can’t think clearly when your body is stuck in fight-or-flight. Use simple grounding tools: slow breathing, mindful movement, or sensory focus will really help. When your body feels safe, your mind regains perspective. I teach HeartMath which is an excellent modality for nervous system regulation.

2. Break the Thought Loops

Remind yourself: thoughts are not facts. When you notice a spiral of “what ifs,” pause. Ask: Is this thought helpful right now? If not, shift your attention to the present moment.

3. Reframe the Unknown

Instead of seeing uncertainty as a void, see it as potential. The future hasn’t happened yet, which means there’s still space for opportunity, growth, and surprising outcomes.

4. Focus on What You Can Control

You can’t control politics, the economy, or other people’s choices. But you can control your actions, your habits, your boundaries, and your mindset. Put energy where it counts.

5. Take Small, Practical Steps

Big problems shrink when broken into small actions. Send one email, set aside a little savings, book that health check-up, or have one honest conversation. Small steps rebuild confidence.

6. Seek Support and Connection

Sharing your worries lifts the weight. Talk with trusted friends, join a supportive community, or work with a coach or therapist. Connection regulates the nervous system and reminds you that you don’t have to face uncertainty alone.

Practical Tips for Everyday Calm

• One-Minute Reset: Hand on chest, hand on belly. Inhale for 4, exhale for 6. Repeat 3–5 times.
• Worry Journal: Write down anxious thoughts. Revisit them during a set “worry time” so they don’t run your whole day.
• Limit News and Social Media: These can fuel stress and rarely bring clarity. Set boundaries around how much you consume.
• Best-Case Scenario Exercise: For every worst-case “what if,” deliberately write a best-case outcome. Train your brain to hold positive possibilities too.

You Can Build Resilience in Uncertain Times

Uncertainty is inevitable, but suffering under it doesn’t have to be. The more you practice calming your nervous system, catching thought spirals, and focusing on what’s within your control, the steadier you’ll feel — no matter what’s happening around you.

I know how overwhelming uncertainty can be, and I want you to know you’re not powerless. With the right tools and support, you can find calm in chaos, build resilience, and move forward with confidence.

If you’re ready for guided support, my 6-Week Nervous System Reset Programme is designed to help you regulate stress, find clarity, and feel steady in the face of uncertainty. Learn more here →

You might also enjoy my 21 Strategies to Reduce Stress eBook if you’re looking for an instant lift. Find that here.