“There is nothing permanent except change,” according to Greek philosopher Heraclitus. Change can come in many forms. It can be a welcome, positive changes or a dreaded, negative changes. You get new position at work, your marriage may undergo a crisis, or your beloved pet dog dies . All these changes can cause inner turmoil and can be challenging.
Stress is inevitable when there are changes in your life. Here are some ways for you to navigate these challenging times better.
- Do some prep work. If you feel that change is about to happen in your life, make sure that you have a contingency plan. It is less stressful if you have a backup plan in place when these changes do happen.
- Be aware of your thinking. When feeling anxious, figure out what’s going on in your mind. Once you become aware of negative thoughts, you are more equipped to break your negative thought patterns and shift them to more positive ones.
- Do some reflective thinking. Most people don’t take time give their thoughts a voice. It is important that you process the emotions that comes with the changes in your life. This could include writing in a journal, talking with a good friend, or making an appointment with a therapist.
- Maintain some normalcy. Changes can put you in a tailspin, leaving you not knowing what to do or which way to go. It is important to maintain your routine as these can be comforting, giving you stability in the midst of turmoil. So try to maintain your normal sleeping, waking, and eating times.
- Engage in enjoyable activities. You can listen to relaxing music, take a warm bath, meditate, or go to the gym. Avoid unhealthy behaviors such as smoking or drinking.
- Stay grateful. Whether you are going through illness or you’re about to be parent, counting your blessings can make you feel less anxious. Noticing a beautiful sunset or watching a colorful rainbow can reset your mind and help you deal with the changes going on with your life.
In the midst of dealing with changes, stress can mount without your knowing it. So pay attention when friends or family members tell you that you seem to be not yourself. The most important thing is generating a reserve of personal resources that can help you navigate a change when it happens.
Sources:
Smith, Kathleen. “The Psychology of Dealing with Change: How to Become Resilient.” Last modified February 21, 2020.
Sarkis, Stephanie. “10 Ways to Cope with Big Changes.” Last modified January 19, 2017.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/here-there-and-everywhere/201701/10-ways-cope-big-changes.
Wisdom, Kimberlydawn. “6 Strategies for Coping with Change.” Last modified May 24, 2017