The Upside of Uncertainty

Chapter 26

Emotional Hygiene

It can be tempting to think of emotions as unfortunate evolutionary by-products, signs of weakness to be avoided. But emotions play an important role, in life and in uncertainty, that should not be ignored. As Emiliana Simon-Thomas, PhD and science director of Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center, writes “[Emotions] provide us with quintessential information about what’s important and what to do next and how to do it and who to do it with.”1 Uncertainty comes with emotions, and becoming aware of those emotions, learning how to observe and validate them without impulsively acting from the pain or worry, is a vital part of sustaining yourself.

How do we become better at navigating the emotions that come with uncertainty? ...