Last week was a big week for feelings of uncertainty. COVID-19 cases are on the rise, we headed back into a national lockdown, and we were also on the edge of our seats for the US election. We, as humans, often feel uncomfortable with uncertainty. But, we want to share the knowledge that even in the midst of the greatest uncertainty, we humans are also more resilient than we could possibly believe. Whether the feared scenario happens, or not, we want to reassure you that you will be able to cope.
With all of this uncertainty going on, we’ve carefully selected 6 podcasts to help you to get through this week (and any week after):
1. Dr Ramani Durvasula ON: How To Cope With Feelings Of Uncertainty & Grief During A Pandemic
Treat yourself to some easy listening with this enlightening discussion between Dr Ramani Duvasula, a professor and psychologist, and Jay Shetty, a former monk and now famous purpose coach.
Join this duo as they consider how we have a damaging attachment to a feeling of 'normal', as well as a resistance to the feeling of powerlessness. Explore how you feel in this moment, and how relinquishing feelings of control can help you to do your best during a crisis.
Top Tip: Allow yourself to let go of the idea of control
This podcast is part of the viral series 'On purpose with Jay Shetty'. You can find it on Spotify here or on Apple Music here.
2. Improve Your Emotional Resilience
This is a game-changing exploration of what emotional resilience is and how you can stay adaptable through any crisis.
Hear from Doug Drinkwater, editor of Sylo Magazine, Dr Harry Barry, GP and best-selling author, Simon Wheatcroft, the first blind athlete to run a marathon solo and unaided, and Dr Sven Hansen, founder of The Resilience Institute, as they give advice on resilience.
Top Tip: There are techniques and skills can we all learn to reduce our anxiety, panic, and stress. Don't panic!
This podcast is from a new series by Sylo magazine (a destination for those who want to navigate their way to a better future). You can find it on Spotify here or on Apple Music here.
3. Owning It: The Science of Self Compassion for Reducing Anxiety with TED Talker DR Kristen Neff
Dr Kristen Neff is a pioneer in self-compassion research. In this episode of Owning it, Kristen explains what exactly happens in the brain and body when you choose to take the self-compassionate route.
Self-compassion is about recognizing that you are in pain and comforting/caring for yourself.
Top Tip: Things will not always go the way you want them to. The more we accept this, the more we'll be able to be compassionate towards ourselves.
This episode is from 'Owning It: The Anxiety Podcast' hosted by the number one non-fiction bestseller author, Caroline Foran. You can find it on Spotify here or on Apple Music here.
4. Meditation & Mindfulness Made Easy: The Very Best Tips
'Feel Better, Live More' is a fantastic podcast series by the one and only Dr Rangan Chatterjee. This episode is a special compilation of his most popular episodes to date on the topic of mindfulness. Many try mindfulness but soon find themselves giving up. This episode will give you simple, easy and practical tips to get started, stick with it, and reap the benefits.
Top Tip: Everyone can meditate! Don't give up before you've even really started.
The intro to this one is fairly lengthy, so if you want to skip to the good bit try fast-forwarding to 8.58 mins. You can find this podcast on Spotify here or on Apple Music here.
5. Dealing with political uncertainty
Even if you're not living in America the election has caused many to feel stressed, anxious or even angry.
This relaxing podcast from Headspace guides you to take a step back and let go of some of those feelings.
Andy Puddicombe is enthusiastic to share the tips he learned at a monastery with those who need them most, no matter who you’re rooting for.
Top Tip: Look for the little positive things and allow appreciation to flood over you.
6. Tom Odell (on Happy Place)
Tune into Fearne Cotton and Tom Odell's revealing but relaxed conversation about living with anxiety.
Tom didn't know what anxiety looked like, and so when he experienced a debilitating panic attack he didn't know what was happening. He has since learned ways to manage and cope with his own anxiety. He's now determined to spread awareness and help others.
Top Tip: There are plenty of others experiencing the same feelings and there is absolutely no shame in anxiety.
In her podcast series Happy Place, Fearne Cotton talks to incredible people about life, love, loss, and everything in-between. You can listen to this episode on Spotify here or on Apple Music here.
To wrap up, there's a lot going on for everyone. You might be feeling anxious, confused, or even fed up. Uncertainty is hard for humans, but all of these feelings (and more) are completely normal. We hope that one, if not all, of these podcasts can give you some comfort as well as inspire some self-compassion as we head into lockdown 2.0.
For more tips on how to cope with the new Covid-19 restrictions, read this blog from one of our brilliant life coaches here.