If you feel anxious or stressed when life throws you curveballs, you're not alone. Most people — health professionals included — struggle with uncertainty.
Mayo Clinic doctors offer their personal strategies for staying present in tough times. Explore their ideas and find what works for you.
We asked Mayo Clinic experts: How do you stay grounded in uncertain times?
Tufia Haddad, M.D., Oncology: Being in the great outdoors is always the thing that grounds me the most. Just being present in that moment, feeling the air, breathing, listening to the sounds. They help me understand my place in the world and know that my time is temporary.
John Stulak, M.D., Cardiovascular Surgery: I think that one of the biggest things that helps me is to disconnect. Don't watch the news, don't check social media, don't go to your phone. Just disconnect for a while and just exist.
Sanjeev Kakar, M.D., Orthopedic Surgery: There was a saying by a very, very influential person in my life, my father, and he taught me the saying "The softest pillow is a clear conscience." And I think you can use that in many different aspects in life. Sometimes the right answer is not always the easy answer. And so by taking the easy way out is where you get into trouble. So just by staying to that philosophy, you can do the right thing.
Anita Mahajan, M.D., Radiation Oncology: I think taking time for yourself is important to stay grounded, and at the same time just understand that the uncertain times will pass. And there should be a light on the other side there.
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