How do you cope with stress or uncertainty? Do you fight, flight, or fawn?

Personally, I just shut down. I am like those teenagers who have the “Keep Out” signs on their bedroom doors.

That’s what I did on Monday. Given the continued uncertainty about layoffs, I isolated myself at work by working at the ‘library’ on a different floor. This is where I’ll process all my feelings. Alone, I thought.

No talking, no calls, no social interactions. Exactly what I needed right now—or so I thought.

I ate lunch alone. I worked alone. I took calls in a small room alone. By the end of the day, I had accomplished what I wanted—I had little to no human interactions.

And unknowingly, I grew more anxious, disengaged, and angry as the day went on.

What am I doing here? I wouldn’t be surprised if they… I spiraled into negative thoughts.

Simple Changes. Drastically Different Outcomes.

On Tuesday, I decided to try something different.

Instead of isolating myself, I attended a weekly coffee tasting, a casual get-together over brewed coffee. Our host shared the coffee of the week and tried to lift us up by asking, “What is something you’re looking forward to?”

We went around and shared one by one.

“My 2-week trip to South Africa,” someone said.

“Snowshoeing with friends this weekend,” someone else said.

“Exciting TV season coming up…”

As simple as it was, it felt so good to hear and cheer each other on for the joyous memories ahead.

Then, my director walked in with tasting cups filled with mystery coffee.

“Take a small, tiny sip,” he cautioned, “and tell me what you think”.

My teammates and I each grabbed a cup and immediately called out:

“It tastes burnt.”

“Sour.”

“This reminds me of medicine.”

“Well thank you for the feedback,” he said, chuckling. “A friend shipped this to me from South Africa and wanted some honest feedback.”

We laughed. “Maybe don’t tell your friend everything we said,’ we joked.

And instead of eating lunch alone, I decided to eat at the community table with 10 other teammates during the lunch hour. We talked about microplastics (yikes), watercolor vs. acrylics, and oysters.

At the end of Tuesday, I felt like a different person. So much happier, more motivated, and more optimistic about the future.

What I Thought I Needed… Wasn’t What I Needed

As an introvert who needs her quiet, alone time to recharge and prefers to process emotions on her own before engaging with others, I was surprised by how drastically my emotions shifted from one day to the next.

What I thought I needed wasn’t what I needed. I craved solitude, but what I truly needed was connection.

This experience highlighted the power of human connection—especially in moments when we feel like shutting the world out. In fact, it is during those lonely moments that we need connection the most.

It’s through the smallest gestures—

coming together,

sharing a laugh,

rooting for each other’s future,

checking in,

sharing a meal—

that our souls are nourished in return.

On Tuesday, I realized it is not aloneness but rather togetherness that we find the hope, strength, and inspiration to keep going.

And how, in times of need, our connections with each other can nourish our soul.

This experience has certainly reshaped how I will cope with difficult situations moving forward. It has also reshaped how I can be of service to others during tough times. I realized a simple hi and a smile can go a long way.

---

What about you?

How do you cope with uncertainty? How could connecting with others–rather than isolating yourself–benefit you mentally and emotionally?

Is there someone in your life who could use a simple check-in today?