Updated October 2026
As you might imagine, coping with anxiety comes up a lot in therapy, especially during uncertain times. Playing out worst-case scenarios, finding ways to manage uncertainty, and learning how to stay calm in the midst of chaos.
I was not born an optimist, but I have learned to think like one. And I truly believe there’s an upside to almost everything, even the hardest seasons of life.
I believe during times of great challenge, our best selves step up.
I believe in the midst of uncertain times, we learn how to trust.
In the midst of scarcity, we learn what we can live without.
In the midst of disappointment, we learn how to tolerate unpleasant emotions.
In the midst of illness, we develop a deeper appreciation for our health and the health of our loved ones.
During times of stress, our priorities become very clear. We adapt. We recalibrate. We carry on.
Humans are extraordinarily resilient. We come together. We overcome. We learn. We grow. We make tough decisions. We develop new skills and abilities.
In the midst of all of it, don’t lose sight of your strengths. Rest, but don’t isolate. Prepare, but don’t panic. Have compassion for others. And don’t neglect your self-care.
When stress spikes, I recommend what I call a healthy ESCAPE®: Exercise, Sleep, Connect, Appreciate, Play, and Eat. You don’t have to do all six. Pick one, and make it your go-to strategy during anxious, uncertain times. Read the full Healthy ESCAPE® guide.
Want more practical tools like these? Download the free Between-Sessions Starter Kit: five skills to practice this week.
Be & Stay Well,
