When was the last time you had to deal with a big change in your life? For many of us, even the smallest disruption to our family routine could spark anything from anxiety to extreme terror!
Why do some people thrive upon change while others experience great difficulty? Change freaks most people out. Whether a relationship starts or ends, you’re moving, you’ve got a new job, or you’ve lost someone you love; change – whether it’s good or bad – causes stress.
It’s been said that the only constant in our world today is change. Coping with change is never easy. Most of us resist it because we’re comfortable. We like “comfortable”. Comfortable represents familiarity, and familiarity represents safety. So how should you deal with change? Never mind how! Why should you deal with change? The answer is … because it’s coming!
If change is an inevitable reality of life (and it is), then we’d better be prepared to respond when the unexpected comes knocking at our door.
8 Tips on how to deal with change:
• Be prepared. Life is full of unexpected surprises. Strange situations will always be part of your life no matter how much you try to protect yourself from it. Notice the signs. Many times we refuse to see what’s before us. Put options in place ahead of the actual change. If you are relocating, read as much as you can about the new place. Or if a loved one is terminally ill – learn about the stages of the illness and how to make their last days pain free. Be informed about decisions you might have to make later.
• It’s ok to be emotional. It is natural to have feelings of sadness, to grieve over the loss of someone, to feel angry, or to place blame. Give yourself time to get used to it. You can have your pity-party, but then you have to move on. Get past ‘Why me?” Spending too much time in a place of anger, pity or blame will make you feel hopeless. Losing a job might be seen as a loss of stability, but the truth is that it can lead to something better.
• Set smart goals. Ask yourself “What’s the worst that could happen?” This will force you to look at the worst case scenario and work back from there. If there is a possibility that you could lose your job; what steps could be taken to improve your chances to stay?
• Ask for help. Showing vulnerability allows people to really see you, to know your stress and pain. Loved ones can help. Being able to articulate your needs, will give people a sense of relief in knowing how they could help and support you.
• Manage your stress. Choose the way that works best for you. Exercise helps most of us to relax and get new perspective.
• Focus on the moment, don’t think too far ahead. Look at the bigger picture. Our ability to adapt is amazing. If you trust that you can adapt, you will.
• Stick to something familiar. During this time of change, stick to something that gives you comfort, even if it is your morning routine.
• Give yourself something to look forward to. An optimist is more likely to create success simply because optimists see more opportunities for positive outcomes and expect changes to turn out for the better.
Change can cause some of us to walk in circles, wandering and lost. But the easiest thing is to keep walking forward, even if it can sometimes take an uncomfortable amount of effort to do so. So, to adapt to change you have to put one foot in front of the other which will keep you growing, learning, exploring, accepting and carrying on.
Source: www.health.harvard.edu, lifehacker.com, powertochange.com, www.wikihow.com, www.positive-changes-coach.com, www.huffingtonpost.com, lifegaiam.com, au.reachout.com, www.familycircle.com
DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.
