Chapter 1: Understanding the Nature of Uncertainty

Our physical sensations can significantly influence our decision-making processes.

Human beings often find themselves in a paradox. While stability can feel mundane, the unpredictability of life can trigger fear, leaving us feeling vulnerable and unsafe. In childhood, uncertainty was often limited to anxieties about grades, competitive games, or potential romantic rejections—concerns that, while significant at the time, were manageable.

As we transition into adulthood, however, uncertainty morphs into a more complex and distressing experience. This escalated uncertainty casts a deeper shadow, resulting in more profound emotional pain. Some individuals face even graver uncertainties, dealing with serious health issues or the fragility of life itself. Many of us felt a similar sense of dread during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021.

Various strategies exist to mitigate uncertainty—preparing for worst-case scenarios, developing contingency plans, or seeking out additional information. While these tactics can be helpful, they may not fully alleviate the persistent stress that often lingers.

Section 1.1: The Weight of Uncertainty

What I find particularly unsettling is the waiting period that accompanies uncertainty, which heightens feelings of fear and vulnerability. This discomfort can manifest physically, leading to symptoms like rapid heartbeat, sweating, and a sense of restlessness.

A study by Lipshitz and Strauss revealed that the stress induced by uncertainty not only causes discomfort but can also hinder our ability to concentrate on other tasks. This, in turn, adds to our stress levels, as postponed tasks compound our worries.

One of the simplest ways to navigate uncertainty is to focus on the present moment. Unfortunately, our bodies lack the ability to simply switch off these distracting thoughts. Instead, we can utilize specific triggers to help us.

Subsection 1.1.1: The Comfort of Softness

When I encounter a soft material, like a plush pillow, my instinct is to touch and smell it. This inexplicable comfort reminds me of why my sister loves her fuzzy blankets and stuffed animals.

My curiosity led me to a study by Vanhoren and Mussweiler from the University of Cologne, which examined how the soothing sensation of soft objects can assist individuals in coping with uncertainty. In chaotic scenarios—be it economic downturns, political instability, or prolonged health crises—relying solely on information gathering might not suffice. Sometimes, people are too preoccupied to think clearly.

Interestingly, our physical sensations—sight, sound, and touch—can influence our decisions without conscious thought. Touching a soft object can elicit feelings of comfort. During childhood, caregivers would often hold us or give us plush toys to soothe our worries.

The research by Vanhoren and Mussweiler also indicates that both tangible soft objects and those experienced virtually can evoke feelings of calm, albeit in different ways. They conducted experiments alternating between certain and uncertain situations and utilized three pairs of items: soft vs. hard candy, soft-grip vs. hard-grip pens, and soft vs. rough fabric.

The findings demonstrated that when faced with uncertainty, individuals prefer softer items over harder ones. While hard candy is generally favored, when participants perceived uncertainty, they gravitated towards soft candy. Additionally, using a soft pen made individuals feel more assured about unrelated tasks over time, while a hard pen did not have the same effect.

Soft objects, it seems, can help alleviate the anxiety that often accompanies everyday uncertainties. Reflecting on this, I recognize how soft and fuzzy items frequently appear in ASMR videos, helping viewers relax. Research also indicates that wearing soft, warm fabrics promotes comfort and relaxation. According to the feeling wheel by Gotman, relaxation is the opposite of fear, a common reaction to uncertainty.

Chapter 2: Cultivating Calmness

The first video titled How to Deal with Uncertainty - Without Self-Sabotage provides insights and techniques for managing feelings of uncertainty and fear.

As I experience the soothing sensations from soft materials, I draw parallels to how I feel while watching ASMR content. This calming experience allows me to gain clarity and perspective on my challenges.

I am learning to redirect my focus and keep myself occupied, which helps mitigate the discomfort of waiting. By seeking balanced information, I can approach situations with a clearer mindset, allowing me to prepare backup plans calmly.

But first, it is crucial to alleviate the internal turmoil caused by fear and uncertainty to navigate unknown situations effectively.

The second video titled Practical Ways to Cope with Uncertainty shares useful strategies for managing life's unpredictability.

As we mature, the uncertainty we face often feels more burdensome, mainly due to the unpredictability of timing and outcomes. This sensation prompts us to seek solutions, yet sometimes, waiting is the only option. It's essential to shift into a "trust" mode, akin to a pilot relying on autopilot when flying.

Trusting in something beyond ourselves can be liberating, especially when we cannot influence outcomes. Embracing uncertainty reveals strengths we may not have realized we possessed.

In my community, the initial week of college often feels overwhelming, filled with assignments and sleepless nights. Yet, it’s also when we forge strong friendships. This experience serves as a reminder that not knowing can lead to positive outcomes.

Adopting a mindset of "I will be okay" has helped me navigate ambiguity. Instead of rushing to label experiences as successes or failures, I recognize that life is too complex for such distinctions.

Uncertainty is a constant in life. Embracing it can lead to growth, even amidst discomfort. As Deve Prakash articulated in a compelling TED talk, whether we triumph or stumble, uncertainty propels us to discover hidden abilities and strengths we never knew we had. Life is too rich for predictability, and therein lies its beauty.