Lifestyle in transition
Objectives
Optional and required relative pronouns As if, as though, as, the way, and likeReading
Any
life is a life of change. It is no phenomenon that we experience transitions in
work and relationships, changes in our physical and mental health, and new
events in our local communities and our world. Sometimes we know a change will
occur, while other times it comes suddenly and unexpectedly. Maybe it’s a
disappointment, or maybe it’s a wonderful surprise.
Many
people spend a great deal of time and energy trying to avoid change, but it
will inevitably catch up to them. If you can learn to cope with change, you’ll
lower your risk of anxiety and depression. Your relationships will flourish,
and your body will feel healthier. But if you can’t cope with change, only a
minor amount of stress can make you feel overwhelmed by life. You might also
struggle to set and meet the goals you have for yourself.
Being
able to cope with change is sometimes called resilience. Though your
environment and genes might influence your level of resilience, the amount
isn’t set in stone. Practicing different ways of thinking and being in the
world can boost your ability to deal with change and help you create a life that
is adaptive to new places and unexpected events. Let’s take a look at a few
healthy practices for increasing your level of resilience and coping with
change.
Evaluate Your Level of
Control
Sometimes
it’s all too easy to become frazzled by events over which we have no power or
people who might never change their actions or attitude. But rather than focus
on blaming others or moving the immovable, resilient people anticipate and make
accommodations for what they can control. To evaluate your level of control
over a situation, you can ask yourself, “What can I take responsibility for in
this situation?” When you look for opportunities to empower yourself and work
towards change that is possible, you’re less likely to feel stuck in difficult
situations.
Practice Self-Care After a
Loss
Often
life’s transitions involve losses, such as a death, a big move, the loss of a
job, or a relationship ending. Even positive transitions, like a graduation or
a job change, can make you feel a little sad. During these times of
transitions, resist avoiding any grief you might feel. Acknowledge the loss,
and pay attention to what you’re going through and what you’ve learned from the
experience. Seek support and camaraderie among friends and family who will
advocate for you, and consider speaking with a counselor or other mental health
professional if you feel you need extra support during the transition.
Check Your Thought Patterns
In
times of change, it’s easy for your mind to cut corners. You might see
everything in black or white, or you assume the worst will occur. But if you
take the time to examine your thought patterns and assess how rational they
are, you might bring about some space to nudge your thinking towards
resilience. If you’re not sure how to slow down your mind, practicing
relaxation techniques, such as mindfulness or deep breathing, can help you feel
more in control of your brain and how you evaluate a major change.
You
can also generate more positive thoughts if you take the time to remind
yourself about the transitions and challenges you successfully navigated in the
past. Make a list of ways you’ve been resilient in your life, and consider what
traits and actions might be able to see you through the current challenge. By
focusing on your strengths instead of your weaknesses, you will feel more
empowered to meet what lies ahead.
Be in the Present
While
it’s important to look to the past to find your strengths, sometimes you can
feel too pulled into the future in times of change, which might stand in the
way of you focusing on the present. When you worry about what the future will
bring or what mistakes you might make, you forget to be in the present and
observe what’s happening around you. To bring yourself back to the present, get
in tune with your body. Pay attention to how it responds to stress, and set
aside time every day to relax, take some deep breaths, and make up your mind to
focus back to the present.
Find Your Priorities
The
most resilient people see change as an opportunity rather than a monster to
fear. Transitions in life allow you to consider where your priorities lie. How
do you really want to spend your time on earth? What’s really important to you?
Where do you see yourself wasting your time and energy? With a clear sense of
your goals and values, you will find your mind and body can be much more
resilient and sustainable when it comes to the stressors of change.
Above
all, prioritizing your health in life’s transitions means not being afraid to
ask for help when you need it. Humans are social creatures by nature, so you
weren’t built to withstand every sudden event in life without the support of
others. Talk to family and friends who are experiencing similar changes, or
consider finding a support group in your community. Ask your doctor about how
to prioritize your health during change, and don’t be afraid to talk to a
counselor or other mental health professional about building resilience. You
can’t avoid change, but you live a life of resilience. You can welcome and
embrace transition and see challenges as opportunities to thrive.
(taken and adapted from https://www.psycom.net/dealing-with-change, July 17, 2019.)
