As humans, it’s natural for us to feel uncomfortable, anxious, or scared when facing uncertainty because of how our brains work.
We use the neocortex – the newest part of the brain, which developed around 2-3 million years ago – for rational thinking.
But the reptilian brain – the oldest part, which developed around 500 million years ago – still has a huge influence on us because it’s focused on our survival. It creates automatic reactions in our body that we can’t control.
Our brain gathers and stores information to help us to act in the best way for survival in situations that are in some way similar to what we’ve experienced before.
Think of the last time you accidentally touched something very hot…
The other day, I clumsily put my hand on the iron just after I’d turned it off. Did I pause to think, “Hmm, how hot is this? Will it burn me? Shall I remove my hand?” Of course not. I pulled my hand away quickly without thinking.
That automatic reaction is thanks to my reptilian brain, which, I’m sure like yours, learned to predict that something very hot is likely to lead to a burn.
But of course our reptilian brain can’t predict new and uncertain situations.
So it triggers feelings of discomfort, anxiety, or fear to keep us safe by stopping us from going into uncertain situations that might be dangerous and a threat to our survival.
Of course, this worked wonderfully in primitive times to save us from wild beasts and other dangers in our environment because those moments of uncertainty passed relatively quickly.
Today, life is different. It’s common to face ongoing periods of uncertainty – whether it’s around a new virus or variant, illness in those close to you, your job being at risk, waiting for results of some kind, last-minute regulatory changes affecting your international travel plans, or whatever else is unpredictable and out of your control.
How can we deal with those feelings of uncertainty, so that they’re not constantly bringing us down and holding us back?
In Episode 152 of the Sasuga! Podcast, you’ll hear
- How I reacted to the possibility of not being able to get back into Japan
- Why I cried when my husband said my sweet potato fries weren’t fat enough
- 7 practical ways to deal with uncertainty, so that you can choose what works for you
Enjoy!
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