Finding Peace of Mind in Uncertain Times

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Practical ideas for staying calm and steady when life feels unpredictable

Uncertainty can make anyone feel unsettled. Changes in health, family, finances, or the wider world may leave you feeling anxious or restless.

It’s normal to want clear answers, but peace of mind often comes from learning to live well alongside uncertainty.

These ideas can help you stay grounded when life feels beyond your control.

• Accept that uncertainty is part of life

  • No one can predict everything that will happen, and trying to do so can create constant tension. Instead of searching for complete certainty, remind yourself that you can handle challenges as they arise. Confidence in your ability to cope matters more than knowing every outcome.

• Notice what you can influence

  • When everything feels uncertain, focus on the small areas where you still have choice — your routine, what you eat, who you contact, how you spend time today. Small, steady actions help restore a sense of control.

• Limit constant news and information

  • Too much exposure to worrying headlines or online speculation can increase anxiety. Choose one or two trusted sources, check them briefly, then step away. Balance staying informed with protecting your peace of mind.

• Ground yourself in the present moment

  • When your thoughts race toward “what if,” pause and focus on where you are now. Notice your breath, the temperature in the room, the feeling of your feet on the floor. Bringing attention back to the present helps calm the body and interrupt spiralling thoughts.

• Keep daily routines steady

  • Regular habits bring stability when the world feels unpredictable. Keep similar meal, sleep, and activity times each day. Routine gives your mind a sense of safety and predictability, even when circumstances change.

• Stay connected with others

  • Uncertainty feels heavier when faced alone. Share your thoughts with trusted friends or family. Talking things through can ease worry and remind you that uncertainty is something everyone experiences.

• Focus on kindness and gratitude

  • Acts of kindness — to yourself or others — can reduce worry and build perspective. Each day, notice one small thing you appreciate, such as a warm drink, a kind word, or time outdoors. Gratitude helps the mind rest on what’s steady rather than what’s missing.

• Reflection questions

  • What situations or topics increase my sense of uncertainty?

  • What helps me return to the present when my thoughts spiral?

  • What small routines or comforts help me feel more secure?

• If worry about the future feels overwhelming

  • If uncertainty keeps you awake, affects your appetite, or stops you from enjoying life, consider speaking to a counsellor or your GP. Talking it through can make the future feel less daunting.

• You’re not alone

  • Uncertainty is part of every stage of life, and many people find it hard to manage. With calm routines, limited exposure to worry, and steady self-care, it’s possible to find peace of mind even when life feels unpredictable.

If you’d like to explore how professional support can help with emotional wellbeing in later life, click to visit the Counselling for Older People page.