Blog For the Times: Managing Stress in Uncertain Times

In times of uncertainty, stress can feel overwhelming—learn how to manage it effectively.

Living in a Divided World

How many of you feel like you know or have seen this person recently? These days there seems to be a cacophony of name-calling and finger-pointing.

I, personally, have noticed what feels like several different camps.

There’s the us versus them category which is generally centered around mainstream political parties. The “I hate democrat, snowflake, libtards” versus “I hate stupid, racist, redneck, republicans.” Each party seems more steadfast than ever in their convictions and has retreated to their respective corners. Most read, watch, and talk to others who confirm their beliefs and perpetuate their anger, fear, hatred, confusion, and disillusionment.

There are also some middle-of-the-road folks who feel that there has to be some solution where both parties can come together in some sort of harmonious ending, thinking “can’t we all just get along man?” Others have buried their heads in the sand in hopes of pretending nothing is happening. Some people are stifled in fear, while others are starting to question what is and what has been happening.

Many in this camp feel that both parties are completely broken. They are seeing clues that there is a much larger agenda — one that not only involves American politics, but global politics. How a few very rich and powerful beings have infiltrated leadership worldwide and orchestrated chaos, conflict, and suffering to secure power.

This is a very complex idea, but it became more visible to many people during Covid-19, when extremely swift restrictions and regulations were put in place. Overnight, much of the population found themselves completely dependent on government systems.

Regardless of where you fall in these categories — or whether you even believe they exist — I think we can all agree that we are in unprecedented times.

Turning Crisis Into Awakening

If there is one thing for certain in these times, it is that this shake-up has caused people to wake up.

What if all of this is happening to make us question the status quo, question authority, question our beliefs — question everything? What if it’s happening not as a catastrophe happening to us, but as a blessing happening for us?

I’m already seeing evidence of this. Out of chaos, people are beginning to wake up. They are questioning old systems, from government to healthcare, and starting to realize that change is possible.

Of course, there will always be those who remain steadfast in the status quo — and that’s fine. But what excites me is the number of people now willing to pause, consider alternatives, and start asking better questions. That’s where real change begins.

Managing Stress in Uncertain Times

So here’s the question: how do we manage stress in uncertain times when fear and confusion feel overwhelming?

Life is SO stressful. It was stressful enough before Covid and the global shake-up, and now that stress has increased exponentially for most of us. We have to do our best to manage this on our own.

When you are experiencing stress or anxiety, your sympathetic nervous system is stimulated, creating a fight, flight, or freeze response. This system is designed for survival — the one that springs into action when you’re being shot at or chased by a bear. But here’s the problem: your brain doesn’t distinguish between imminent threats and daily stress.

The parasympathetic nervous system, on the other hand, is the system that leads to relaxation, digestion, absorption of nutrients, and healing. Only one can be active at a time — either sympathetic or parasympathetic. Our job is to try and stay in the parasympathetic as much as possible.

There are many ways to switch the sympathetic system off, including intentional breathing — and energy practices like my Energy Reset Reiki Sessions, which are designed to help your body drop into this healing state with ease.

The Power of the 4-7-8 Breathing Technique

One of my favorite tools for calming the nervous system is the 4-7-8 breathing technique.

It stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system and leads to decreased anxiety and stress. Research has shown it can also lower blood pressure and depression, reduce cravings, improve lung function, enhance cognitive function, help you fall asleep faster, and increase mindfulness. You simply cannot stay anxious while breathing deeply and intentionally.

Dr. Andrew Weil, a well-known integrative medicine doctor, calls the 4-7-8 breathing technique the “natural tranquilizer for the nervous system.” He even reported that one patient was able to stop anxiety medications entirely by practicing this breath daily.

Here’s how it works:

1. Inhale through your nose for a count of 4, filling your entire torso with air.

2. Hold your breath for a count of 7.

3. Exhale audibly through your mouth for a count of 8.

   
   

That’s one cycle. Do 4 cycles, twice per day. For maximum benefit, work up to 8 cycles twice daily.

You can watch my video walkthrough here: 4-7-8 Breathing Technique.

And beyond breathing techniques, here’s how real clients have found relief with holistic support.

"I recently had the most amazing intuitive healing session with Heather that included sound healing, Reiki, and her intuitive insight. She picked up on exactly what I was struggling with without me even having to say a word. I left my session feeling so much lighter and more balanced energetically." Cristin

Final Thoughts on Managing Stress in Uncertain Times

We may not be able to control political chaos, world events, or systemic shifts — but we can take ownership of how we respond. Managing stress in uncertain times begins with small, intentional practices like breathwork, nervous system awareness, and energy healing.

And remember, you don’t have to do this alone. My Energy Reset Reiki Sessions are here to support you in finding calm, balance, and resilience no matter what’s happening in the world around you.

References:

Hecht D. Depression and the hyperactive right-hemisphere. Neurosci Res. 2010 Oct;68(2):77-87. doi: 10.1016/j.neures.2010.06.013. Epub 2010 Jul 21. PMID: 20603163.

Video: Dr. Weil's Breathing Exercises: 4-7-8 Breath

In-text: (Features, 2022)

Your Bibliography: Features, V., 2022. Video: Dr. Weil's Breathing Exercises: 4-7-8 Breath. [online] DrWeil.com. Available at: <https://www.drweil.com/videos-features/videos/breathing-exercises-4-7-8-breath/> [Accessed 4 August 2022].

Zaccaro A, Piarulli A, Laurino M, Garbella E, Menicucci D, Neri B, Gemignani A. How Breath-Control Can Change Your Life: A Systematic Review on Psycho-Physiological Correlates of Slow Breathing. Front Hum Neurosci. 2018 Sep 7;12:353. doi: 10.3389/fnhum.2018.00353. PMID: 30245619; PMCID: PMC6137615.