Thread by @psychidiaries

Dear #NEETPG2022 aspirants, I understand that things are not going great for both the groups- those who want to give exams on time and also for those who want it to be postponed.
This uncertainty can be really frustrating. I don't know how much of this will help but still.. 1/n

Our brains are wired to react to uncertainty with anxiety. As the uncertainty of the scenarios increases, our brains have a tendency to shift control over to the limbic system, the place where emotions, such as anxiety and fear, are generated. 2/n

But “A lot of cognition is really about handling different types of uncertainty,” says MIT Associate professor of brain and cognitive sciences Dr. Michael Halassa.
Let's look at some research backed evidence to help ourselves manage this anxiety about uncertainty!
3/n

1. Acknowledge the anxiety about uncertainty

It's okay to not be okay at times like these.
You don't have to live in denial.
Accept the fact that you are feeling anxious rather than trying to suppress your negative emotions which our society has taught us.
4/n

2. Understand where these thoughts are coming from

When you start feeling anxious, remind yourself that, "Oh okay, this is my emotional brain speaking! I know it is there to protect me which is why it's making me feel so anxious!"
5/n

3. Anxiety per se is not bad.

Anxiety actually is the reason why humanity has come so far up in the evolutionary ladder.
Imagine if Anxiety didn't stop us from venturing out of our caves in Savanah at night! A hungry lion would have gobbled us up!

6/n

4. Notice your Mental chatter.

Many times during anxiety we start thinking in terms of absolutes- "should"/"always"/"never"/"everytime" or personalise things!
Your rational brain knows that there are no absolutes in life
Life's not black and white,it's all shades of grey!

7/n

5. Stay away from "But.. What if?"

Things can go in a million different directions, and the more time you spend worrying about the possibilities, the less time you’ll spend focusing on taking action that will calm you down and keep your stress under control.

8/n

6. Replace the negative mental chatter.

I know it's hard but try to find out even one positive thing that happened to you in the day and trust me, if you try, you will find it.
Use positive affirmations a lot. If needed, stick them near your study table.
9/n

7. Try to find out what you can control and what you cannot control-

You cannot control the judgment of the Supreme Court. You cannot control the kind of questions that will come up.
You can control the way you prepare.
You can take charge of how you react to things!

10/n

8. Prayer of serenity.

"Dear God/Universe,
Grant to us the serenity of mind to a
ACCEPT that which cannot be changed;
COURAGE to change that which can be changed, and
WISDOM to know the difference between the two!"

11/n

9. Try some relaxation exercises and focus on deep breathing-

Breathing exercises work wonders for so many people.
Do try it out.

12/n

10. Remember and accept the randomness and unfairness of life

A lot of our anxiety stems from a deep belief that life should be perfect and fair.
But life is unfair.
Life is random.
Life is randomly unfair.

13/n

11. Stay away from comparisons with your peers. Focus on your work!

12. Stay away from unhealthy coping mechanisms like 🚬, 🍸 and over/undereating. That further leads to more anxiety.

14/n

13. Self care is important-

Move your body around. If you can't find a special time, then at least walk around while reading this.
Proper sleep, proper diet is of utmost importance.
15/n

14. Don't lose human touch-

Connect with people beyond social media.
Connect with non-medicos.
Hug them if you want to.
Talk. Cry. Laugh. Get cranky. It's okay.

16/n

15. Remember you're here-
Remember your life is precious.
Remember life is much more than just an exam.
Remember, you already are amongst the top students of your school.
Remember, no exam can judge you as a person.
Remember, all great men and women have gone through it.

17/17

This is the start of the thread.
Do share with someone who needs it.
#MedTwitter
#MentalHealthMatters
#neetpg2022

https://twitter.com/psychidiaries/status/1524108231068463104?t=OLglANgL8YufjKIR1jISjA&s=19

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