Amidst political turmoil and new beginnings, a wave of uncertainty is taking shape across the globe. Society has reached an overwhelming milestone: we are one quarter of the way through the 21st century. Furthermore, the outcome of the U.S. presidential election and the recent surge of climate disasters have made the future even more daunting.
People who have faced negative life experiences may develop an even higher level of anxiety about the uncertain future. These events typically fall under one of three categories: stressful events, traumatic events or adverse childhood experiences. An observational study conducted August 2024 by William E. Copeland and other researchers, published by JAMA Network, showed that experiencing a negative life event can cause symptoms of mental illness and heightened stress levels.
It’s especially important now to find ways to tune out all of this uncertainty. While the future as a big picture is largely unknown, focusing on smaller things within one’s control is a good way to regain some certainty. Sometimes, it’s simpler to just relish the present moment rather than stressing about what’s to come.
Not only does changing mental habits help reduce worry, but modifying physical habits does, too. Exercise is proven to do exactly that. People who are regularly physically active are at an approximately 60% lowered risk of developing an anxiety disorder, as found in a 2021 observational study by Minnesota researcher Lena Brundin and a group of Swedish researchers, published in the Frontiers in Psychiatry Journal.
Finding ways to embrace the future is also a key part of the process of reducing stress and moving on from negative events of the past year. In an article in SELF Magazine, writer Hannah Smothers recommends only making plans for the new year that sound appealing, especially when dealing with grief or trauma.
“Give yourself permission to be honest about what you want to do … without giving everyone the entire truth of your horrible [year], if that’s what feels right to you,” Smothers wrote.
Remind yourself that there are good things happening, too. In the medical community, for example, notable advancements include wireless implantable LED devices that target and treat cancer, which are currently under development. The CDC reported an improvement in students’ mental health in the U.S. in August 2024. A trial phase for electric flights began in Europe in summer 2024, creating the possibility of a greener future.
While distractions from bad news can be a temporary fix for overstressing, they aren’t meant to be amnesia-inducing. Permanently pushing away those bad memories and forget the experiences that came with them is not the solution.
Growth from negative experiences is the most beneficial way to move forward. Consider changing how a negative experience is viewed: maybe there’s a positive aspect or a lesson to be learned. Surround yourself with people you trust while going through this process; this doesn’t have to be done alone. Learning from and rising above a traumatic or negative experience is a long road to walk down, but an important one.
Remember that moving forward is essential for positive growth and to enjoy a better year overall. So, if all you’re hearing is interference, change the station. Tune out the uncertainty and let yourself learn from the things you’ve been through: it’ll be a worthwhile effort when you finally hear your favorite music play.