photo credit: chema.foces

And I Wonder What It Costs

I am not exactly sure this is news, although it probably confirms what people already feel. When times are tough, we tend more toward anxious feelings; we have a higher sense of “danger ahead.”

When I work with companies that are having big challenges, the big three in obstacles haven’t changed much over the years. They are single word entities -

FEAR,

UNCERTAINTY, and

DOUBT

The one I would add is that people sure seem to be more pissed off lately.  Did I ever tell you the airport story? If not, I will in another post.

Not to be a wet blanket (of course, it may not be such a party recently anyway), but think of what is happening in the country over the past couple of years.

Is there some uncertainty over the economy?

Do many of us doubt that anyone has a good plan for health care? Don’t get me started.

As boomers, do you have some fear about your future?

And are you a little bit pissed about it?

Enter Wisconsin-Madison U, of meditating Zen Monks fame.  Brain scans there suggest that when we don’t know what is coming we experience anxiety – which is not surprising – AND that we experience it as stronger.

A new study by UW-Madison brain researcher Jack Nitschke shows that the emotional centers in the brain respond much more strongly to disturbing photos if the person didn’t know what was coming. via Future Angst? Brain Scans Show Uncertainty Fuels Anxiety.

Okay, so what?

Knowing about the root of the anxiety – you can thank your mind for that – is helpful.  In addition, knowing that there it’s a normal reaction to many, many abnormal events may help you ride its wave a bit better.  Our brains evolved through monstrous times of uncertainty, with real monsters like saber tooth tigers and such.  So whatever happens we do have choices to make.  We can approach life through the lens of FUD or we can look through the lens of curiosity and excitement.  Same brain chemicals, different outcomes.

So lighten up on yourself.

And, as your bonus for your patience -The Future Ain’t What It Used To Be Enjoy.