Anxious About the New Year? 3 Ways to Cope with Uncertainty

As you stand on the brink of a new year, you might find yourself feeling a bit restless. You’re wondering what the next twelve months will bring: changes in your job, shifts in your relationships, maybe even health uncertainties.

At Greathope Psychiatry and Behavioral Health Services in Garland, Texas, Chima Asikaiwe, MD, Cecilia Chanda, DNP, PMHNP, and Amy Baynash, PMHNP, see this all the time, and you’re not alone. That’s why we want to encourage you to face the unknown with more ease. 

Here are three practical ways to help you cope with uncertainty and step into the new year with more confidence.

1. Accept the uncertainty (yes, you can)

It may sound counterintuitive, but admitting that you don’t know what’s coming can be liberating. Recognize that uncertainty is a normal part of life and you’re not wrong for feeling anxious.

When you stop fighting the unknown, anxiety often loses some of its hold on you. You become more open to what is rather than what could go wrong.

1. Focus on what you can control

The world may feel unsteady, but you still have control over the daily choices that ground you. Focusing there can anchor you.

Here are a few control points you can lean into:

• Your daily routine: wake-up time, movement, meals, bedtime
• How you respond: pausing before reacting and choosing healthier coping strategies
• The people you reach out to when you need to talk; a friend, family member, or provider
• Small, meaningful goals for the coming week: a short walk, journaling, limiting news intake, or calling a friend

By concentrating your energy on what you can influence, you build a stronger foundation and reduce the feeling of being adrift.

1. Create your own sense of safety through habits and routines

In the midst of change and uncertainty, having one or two go-to habits can serve as a lifeline, a place you return to when things feel overwhelming.

Consider creating one or more of the following routines:

Mindful breathing or grounding

Pause, take three deep breaths, and notice your surroundings. What do you see, hear, or feel?

Daily check-in

At the end of each day, reflect on what went well, what was challenging, and what you want to carry into the next day.

Connection ritual

Reach out to someone you trust or join a group where you feel seen and understood.

Movement 

Notice how your body feels; even five minutes of stretching or walking can shift your nervous system.

By weaving these into your day, you give yourself a safe space when things feel unpredictable.

Step into the new year with confidence

Feeling uncertain about what the new year holds is completely valid, but you don’t have to wait until things settle to feel better. You can begin now by accepting what you can’t control, focusing on what you can, and creating your own reliable habits and routines. If your anxiety feels too heavy to handle on your own, we’re here for you.

Step into the new year with confidence and peace. Call today, or request an appointment online at any time.