For many of us, uncertainty is at an all-time high. Well, at least for me.

Whether one is feeling the unpredictability of politics, economic instability, global tensions, or situations affecting us in our own backyard, I sense an overarching tension as I talk to others. In fact, I just felt tense writing this paragraph.

I wonder how much these feelings have to do with media consumption. We are bombarded with news and opinions from so many sources, and it is exhausting.

It makes me yearn for the days of the CBS Evening News with Walter Cronkite. From 1962 to1981, he read the news with facts and humanity. The show was never about him; he had no ego. Cronkite almost never offered his personal views. He helped us to feel anchored, even during challenging times like the Vietnam War, Watergate, and the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. He was voted the most trusted man in America.

After CBS Evening News, prime time television gave us an escape from the day’s burdens and provided us with a new set of friends to watch each week: The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Carole Burnett Show, Hawaii Five-O, and Gunsmoke.

24-hour news did not exist, and neither did social media. By the nature of television programming and technology at the time, our media exposure was limited. We had time to decompress.

One way to cope with the uncertainty is to limit our exposure to the media and not be tuned in 24/7. I have friends who have paused their social media feeds and others who don’t watch any news at all. I am not sure a 100% ban on news is the answer, but certainly, consuming less can offer some mental respite.

Each day, as I think about how out of control things seem to be, I do my best to focus on what I can control.  Structure can help because it’s predictable and offers each of us a sense of safety. Routines can be a source of comfort and strength- yes, even making the bed, walking the dog, and cooking dinner.

Focusing on what we can control can help us ground ourselves mentally, particularly during times of stress or anxiety.

While I always enjoy happy hours with my friends, I find it even more comforting these days. Just being with others that I care for is soothing. Having honest conversations where I can safely express my feelings can unburden me.

Creating moments of calm is another way to combat feelings of uncertainty. I am not good at this. I plough myself into work, but I can look at my friends who are much better at it than me. They go for walks, read, or meditate.  They look at the stars, they watch the sunrise, they surround themselves in nature, and they play with their grandbabies. These are the ways they give their nervous system a break.

I have found giving back to others a great salve for my anxiety and stress. Volunteering or doing something special for others takes my focus off me and reinforces my sense of purpose.

If, like me, you are feeling stressed by these uncertain times, you may want to try one of these coping methods.

And my wish (even though we may be too far past those days) - wouldn’t it be great if we had someone familiar like Walter Cronkite to help us feel anchored and guide us through the news and uncertainty of the day?

I can hope, can’t I?