Mastering Uncertainty: Lynn Matti's Six-Step Guide to Easing Anxiety
Being intolerant of uncertainty is a lot like having an allergy. They worry and then do everything they can think of to get away from, avoid and eliminate the uncertainty.
What if you could transform your relationship with worry and anxiety? In this episode of the SoberSoul Recovery Podcast, Lynn Matti delves into the intricate connection between generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), substance use disorders, and our intolerance of uncertainty. For many, uncertainty isn't just a minor inconvenience—it's a source of significant stress and avoidance behaviors. Lynn explains that people with GAD and substance use disorders often find uncertainty unbearable, viewing it as something to escape at all costs.
This episode isn't just about identifying the problem; it's about offering actionable solutions. Lynn introduces a six-step process designed to help you build tolerance to uncertainty and reduce anxiety. From making a list of your avoidance behaviors to recording your coping strategies, each step is crafted to empower you with practical tools. The first step encourages you to become a detective in your own life, jotting down all the ways you try to dodge uncertainty.
Next, you'll challenge these behaviors by asking if they truly help or just add more stress. Then, you'll record the outcomes and see how effective your coping mechanisms are. This method is all about trial and error, learning what works for you and what doesn't. One of the most crucial steps involves recognizing what went wrong and how you coped with it.
Lynn emphasizes that even when things don't go as planned, there are valuable lessons to be learned in those gray areas. The final step is all about maintaining momentum, using the strategies you've discovered to keep building your tolerance to uncertainty. Whether you're dealing with addiction, anxiety, or just everyday stress, this episode offers a practical roadmap to a more peaceful life.
Lynn's blend of professional expertise and personal wisdom makes this episode a must-listen for anyone seeking to overcome their fear of the unknown.