Why does this matter now?
The state of our global picture is complex and fluid, and as news headlines continue to shift, conversations may feel heavier with long-term clarity feeling out of reach. If you’re leading teams or supporting others, either at home or at work, you may be feeling emotionally fatigued due to carrying not only your own worry and uncertainty, but the weight of other’s as well.
When nobody can confidently predict what the coming weeks or months will bring, the question becomes less about external events, and more about strengthening the wellbeing of teams as we all look for clarity, reassurance and stability.
When individuals feel informed, included and able to seek compassionate support, they feel more equipped to focus on what can be influenced and support their own wellbeing.
Here, we explore some practical strategies to support yourself and your teams as we navigate uncertainty together.
Practical ways to lead through uncertainty
1. Keep communication open, honest and steady
Pretending that everything is “business as usual” can unintentionally create distance within teams as individuals may begin to feel isolated and as though they are the only one worrying.
Instead, acknowledge that it’s a difficult time for people, reinforce that it’s normal to feel unsettled and create space for people to express how they’re feeling if they wish to. Try to ensure that this commitment is consistent – people may not want to talk right now, but with time they may feel more comfortable sharing.
You don’t need to have all the answers to enable people to feel heard.
2. Focus on what can be controlled
Uncertainty can feel overwhelming because it’s rooted in events far beyond our influence which can cause us to feel powerless. By grounding your team with what is controllable, you can help to restore a sense of agency.
This might include encouraging teams to focus on clear daily prioritise, short-term goals, defined roles and responsibilities, and identifying supportive resources.
Shifting attention towards manageable actions can help people to feel more confident, capable and resilient even during challenging times.
3. Signpost to support and hold regular check-ins
Make the time to ask people how they are beyond their to-do list. These conversations don’t need to be lengthy; it could be a few minutes before starting the meeting agenda to ask people how they really are.
It's okay to ask individuals in your team what it is that they need to feel more supported in that moment and, where possible, tailor your support to them. You may be able to help provide guidance around task prioritisation, workload, and support that is available to them.
4. Reassess goals and adjust expectations
When the world around us feels heavy, it’s reasonable (and often necessary) to scale things back. Adjusting expectations and prioritises is a sign of a responsive, sustainable, and psychologically safe team.
Consider where things may need to be rebalanced, postponed or slowed. Ensure your teams feel able to say no when their capacity is low and consider the weight of the emotional strain they may be under.
It’s essential not to mistakenly think that just because something is happening far away, that it isn’t impacting the mental health and wellbeing of your team.
5. Encourage boundaries and model self-care
Uncertainty can drain energy and it’s difficult to pour from an empty cup. Try to lead by example and encourage your teams to implement consistent habits which protect their wellbeing. This could look like:
- Encouraging short breaks between meetings
- Making time for lunch away from desks
- Taking short walks outside
- Logging on/off on time
- Setting expectations and demonstrating boundaries
When we see others modelling healthy habits, we feel we have permission to prioritise our own wellbeing too.
Prioritising your own wellbeing during uncertain times
Everyone will be affected differently by what is going on in the world and it’s natural to experience a mix of emotions. You might be feeling worried, angry, frustrated, isolated, sad, or even numb. Acknowledging your emotions and validating them as normal, rather than pushing them aside, can help us in coping and staying grounded.
Here are some ways to support your own wellbeing during difficult or uncertain periods:
1. Create small moments for mindfulness
Mindfulness strategies can help us to steady our thoughts when things feel overwhelming. It doesn’t have to be a formal practical or guided session, even a short pause to take small slow breaths, pay attention to our senses, or get outside can help us to feel present rather than swept up in worry.
2. Lean on your support networks
Connecting with others can provide a sense of reassurance and clarity, as well as a reminder that you’re not alone. Whether it’s friends and family, a trusted colleague, community groups or a professional, sharing what you’re experiencing and creating space for open conversations can help to lighten to load.
3. Set boundaries with news and social media
Staying informed is important, but constant exposure to unsettling news can increase stress. You may want to consider choosing set times to check updates, limiting scrolling, sticking to trusted sources and taking regular breaks from heavy content.
Creating boundaries protects your emotional energy and allows space for recovery.
4. Maintain routines that support stability
Small, consistent routines can provide structure when the world feels unpredictable. This could be a simple morning ritual, a set lunchbreak, or strategies to wind-down in the evening after work. Routines can act as an anchor in unsteady times.
5. Consider your physical wellbeing
Our physically wellbeing can play a key role in how we cope emotionally. Things such as staying hydrated, eating regular meals, getting enough sleep, spending time outdoors and being mindful of habits such as drinking or smoking can all help us to support ourselves.
6. Focus on the things you can control
Small acts which help us to feel motivated and in control can help to restore a sense of stability. This might include organising your day, maintaining a tidy workspace, setting clear priorities or taking breaks when you need them.
7. Seek additional support
If feelings become difficult to manage, consider reaching out for further support in order to strengthen your wellbeing. This could be through your wellbeing services at work, or external support systems which are available. You are not alone.
Standing together
While the wider world remains unpredictable, we can strengthen how we respond to it together.
We will all face periods of uncertainty throughout life, however for many of us, the world feels especially frightening right now with so much happening that sits outside of our control. It’s natural to feel on edge or uneasy, but even in times like these, it’s essential to remember that we don’t need to navigate uncertainty on our own.
By supporting on another, keeping conversations open, and taking gentle steps to prioritise our own wellbeing, we can create environments where people feel understood and supported.
For further support and information on supporting the mental health and wellbeing of your team, click here.