Grounding Your Way Through The Uncertainty

There is a specific kind of vertigo that comes with being in your early twenties. It is the feeling of being too old to be a kid but too young to know what you are doing. You are standing at a crossroads where every direction looks like a different version of 'stressful.' This uncertainty can manifest as a tightening in your throat or a feeling that you can't quite get a full breath of air. When the future is a giant question mark, your body often reacts as if that question mark is a physical threat.

To manage this, we have to talk about the concept of 'orienting.' When animals enter a new environment, they look around to make sure they are safe. We can do the same thing when our internal environment feels chaotic. Slowly turn your head from left to right and really look at the colors and shapes in the room. This simple movement of the neck and the engagement of the eyes tells your brain that you are currently in a stable environment. It breaks the 'tunnel vision' that often accompanies anxiety and helps pull you out of the 'what if' loop in your head.

If you are feeling especially untethered, try weighted pressure. A heavy blanket, a weighted vest, or even just placing a heavy book on your lap can provide deep pressure stimulation. This calms the nervous system by increasing the production of serotonin and melatonin while decreasing cortisol. It is the physical equivalent of a hug for your internal alarm system. It provides a sense of containment when you feel like you are floating away into a sea of future-based worries.

Journaling is often recommended, but when you are regulated, traditional journaling can sometimes lead to rumination—just circling the same problems over and over. Instead, try 'somatic journaling.' Write down how your body feels in this moment. Is there tension in your shoulders? Is your stomach doing flips? By naming the physical sensations, you take the power away from them. You move from 'I am anxious' to 'I am experiencing a sensation of tightness in my chest.' This creates a small but vital distance between you and the feeling.

It is also important to recognize that it is okay to be 'mid.' In a world that demands high-definition excellence and constant growth, there is a lot of healing power in being average for a while. You don't have to be the best version of yourself every single Tuesday. Sometimes, your only job is to stay regulated and keep your nervous system in check. That is a massive accomplishment in itself. Giving yourself permission to just exist without an objective is one of the most effective ways to lower your baseline stress.

As you move through your day, keep checking in with yourself. Are your teeth clenched? Are your shoulders up by your ears? Gently drop them. Soften your jaw. These tiny physical adjustments send signals to your brain that it is okay to relax. You are building a relationship with your body where you listen to its signals before they turn into a full-blown scream. The future is big, but you are here, you are solid, and you are capable of handling one minute at a time.

Northwestern Ontario Arts, Culture and Recreation

Rooted in Melgund Township, Northwestern Ontario we're exploring arts, culture, and recreation programming that brings our communitiess together. From creative workshops and local exhibitions to youth activities and cultural events, we support rural artists, strengthen community connection, and celebrate the creative spirit of Northwestern Ontario.

Through community-based arts initiatives, recreation programming, and cultural gatherings, Melgund Recreation, Arts and Culture fosters creative expression, collaboration, and long-term sustainability in the northern arts sector. Our work connects residents, empowers youth, and builds pride in local talent across rural Northwestern Ontario.

Learn more about our programs, events, and opportunities at Melgund Recreation, Arts and Culture.