Make peace with the unknown 
Psychologies|February 2017

This may well be another unpredictable year, and many of us find that difficult. Nione Meakin asks professionals in high-risk fields how they cope with uncertainty

Nione Meakin
Make peace with the unknown 

Few of us relish uncertainty. Whether it’s a question mark over a job, difficulties in a relationship or unsettling developments in world events, unpredictable situations tend to trigger some degree of stress in even the most laid-back of personalities.

In part, it’s the way we’re hardwired: successfully anticipating an outcome releases the brain’s ‘reward’ signal, dopamine, while uncertainty activates an instant and uncomfortable threat response. A recent University College London study * highlighted how significant this brain chemistry is by demonstrating that the possibility of getting an electric shock led to ‘significantly’ higher stress levels in participants than knowing for sure that they would be shocked. In other words, we are better equipped to deal with guaranteed pain than the chance of it.

Yet, while we all experience uncertainty in a similar way, some of us undoubtedly handle it better than others. Some people even build careers on their ability to successfully navigate uncertain scenarios in life. I wondered what was different about them. Why, instead of becoming panicked, fearful and distracted, as I do in the face of uncertainty, were they able to deal with such situations rationally? Were they naturally more comfortable with uncertainty, or had they developed more effective techniques to manage it? Could their approaches be applied to my own ability to cope with it?

See it as a challenge

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der February 2017-Ausgabe von Psychologies.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der February 2017-Ausgabe von Psychologies.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

WEITERE ARTIKEL AUS PSYCHOLOGIESAlle anzeigen
Why Are We So Sensitive About Being Sensitive? - Feeling empathy, energy and emotion keenly is not a failing - it can be your strength and your superpower, discovers Yasmina Floyer
Psychologies UK

Why Are We So Sensitive About Being Sensitive? - Feeling empathy, energy and emotion keenly is not a failing - it can be your strength and your superpower, discovers Yasmina Floyer

All of us are sensitive - it is the very nature of being human. However, as with most behavioural characteristics, it exists on a scale. Jenn Granneman, founder of the world's largest community for introverts and co-author, along with Andre Sólo, of Sensitive (Penguin, £10.99), tells me about the characteristics of someone who is highly sensitive: 'Simply put, if you're a highly sensitive person, your body and mind respond more to the world around you. You respond more to heartbreak, pain, and loss - but you also respond more to beauty, new ideas, and joy. You're more affected by everything around you, but you also draw more from these experiences.

time-read
7 Minuten  |
September 2024
Try a Little Kindfulness - Make kindness a conscious practice and infuse your life with everyday abundance, writes Dr David Hamilton
Psychologies UK

Try a Little Kindfulness - Make kindness a conscious practice and infuse your life with everyday abundance, writes Dr David Hamilton

The more we care about others, the more we realise that most people are just like us - trying to figure things out and hoping for a good day. It's easier to fear what you don't know, but once you get to know people, the world seems a lot smaller and cosier. So next time you're tempted to scroll past someone's problem, dismiss someone's feelings, or just be in your own little bubble, remember: the world's a better place when we all give a little f*ck. Let's sprinkle that stuff everywhere like it's magical kindness glitter!

time-read
7 Minuten  |
September 2024
There's No Excuse to Slow Down! - Presenter, podcaster and author Gabby Logan talks to Psychologies about health, happiness, and overcoming hurdles in midlife...
Psychologies UK

There's No Excuse to Slow Down! - Presenter, podcaster and author Gabby Logan talks to Psychologies about health, happiness, and overcoming hurdles in midlife...

Presenter, podcaster and author Gabby Logan talks to Psychologies about health, happiness, and overcoming hurdles in midlife...When TV presenter Gabby Logan started to experience brain fog in her late 40s, struggling to recall the correct word or name on live TV, she initially put it down to tiredness. 'I couldn't quite get that name or articulate in the way I had previously been able to, so I was concerned, but it coincided with lockdown and not doing any telly for a while. I remember feeling quite nervous going back to live TV.' But the former international gymnast soon realised that it was a symptom of perimenopause and promptly went onto HRT, which she says has balanced her hormones.

time-read
5 Minuten  |
September 2024
Kindle your creativity
Psychologies UK

Kindle your creativity

Increase your sense of connection and support your self-expression, urges Caroline Butterwick

time-read
5 Minuten  |
September 2024
Fast and filling!
Psychologies UK

Fast and filling!

Join the high-protein revolution and eat better everyday, with these full-of-flavour recipes from nutritionist Scott Baptie's new cookbook

time-read
3 Minuten  |
September 2024
What's your optimum?
Psychologies UK

What's your optimum?

Eating well can cure what ails us, so why is it so hard? Anna Blewett discovers the secrets to a more resolved relationship with food...

time-read
5 Minuten  |
September 2024
"FRIENDSHIP DELIVERED SO MUCH OF WHAT ROMANTIC LOVE HAD PROMISED"
Psychologies UK

"FRIENDSHIP DELIVERED SO MUCH OF WHAT ROMANTIC LOVE HAD PROMISED"

Author Marianne Power talks to Psychologies about self-love and the sisterhood...

time-read
9 Minuten  |
September 2024
Summer break or make!
Psychologies UK

Summer break or make!

Hello, lovers! September is here, and the lazy holiday season is behind us. And for many-me included - now feels like the perfect opportunity for a personal kick up the backside, and to embark on a relationship reset. In my work, it's typically women who take the first steps accessing couples' help, but recently (and encouragingly) I've noticed an uptick in men reaching out to get relationship advice and wanting to put the work in.

time-read
2 Minuten  |
September 2024
Time to spread their wings
Psychologies UK

Time to spread their wings

As the seasons shift and shudder, threatening rhythm and routine, Heidi Scrimgeour embraces September in all its bittersweetness...

time-read
5 Minuten  |
September 2024
Big wild world
Psychologies UK

Big wild world

Caro Giles fills up her cup with summer colour and awaits autumn wonder...

time-read
3 Minuten  |
September 2024