We’re living in what researchers now call a polycrisis — a convergence of economic, environmental, geopolitical, and social upheaval that creates a level of uncertainty many of us haven’t felt since 2020. It’s no wonder so many people feel untethered, overwhelmed, or unsure how to move forward.

While stress-reduction practices like meditation and exercise help, research suggests they may not be enough on their own. What does make a meaningful difference is something deceptively simple: taking small, values-driven actions.

Studies show that when people identify a value that matters deeply to them and take even one small action aligned with it, their sense of well-being increases — and the effect lasts. These actions don’t fix the world. They restore agency, direction, and a sense of who we are within uncertainty.

When the world feels chaotic, values-based action can become a powerful anchor.