Sometimes when we’re navigating change in life, we might isolate ourselves. This is a friendly reminder: you don’t have to go through change alone! Challenge yourself to reach out to someone in your life, or check here Where to Call.
Create a list of the fears you have about a change you’re facing. Beside each fear, write out the likelihood of it happening and what you can do if it does. This can give you tangible ways to address these fears, so that you feel more prepared to cope with the change.
Experiencing change can come with a lot of overwhelming feelings. Make sure to save room for relaxing activities within your daily routine to help your nervous system cope with the overwhelm. This could be something like a mindful walk, colouring, or a guided meditation.
Feeling anxious and overwhelmed are both normal responses to change. Avoiding those emotions can negatively impact your overall wellness. It’s hard to work through the feelings brought on by change if you don’t first acknowledge and validate them.
Change can be really challenging! It’s important to check in with yourself daily as you navigate through it. Some people find it helpful to journal their check-ins, or you can try using the mood. app by mindyourmind to help you record it!
Change comes in all sizes, don’t be afraid to seek professional help just because your situation doesn’t seem “severe enough”. If you are unsure where to start, check out I Need to Talk to Someone to learn more about what to expect and who to contact.
When coping with change, it’s essential to have an “escape.” Consider going out on nature walks, reading, painting or any other hobby that brings you comfort and that you can turn to during times of stress.
Keeping a journal during change or transition can aid in reflecting on what has been helpful for you during this time. If you find yourself struggling with change again, you’ll have the journal to remind you of the activities and tools that helped you in the past.
Whether you’re starting a new school, new job, or another transition, feeling confident is important. So aim to pick an outfit that is comfortable, expresses your style, and is appropriate for this new environment.
In challenging periods of change, consider keeping affirmations nearby. They can help reassure you of your resilience and challenge negative self-talk you might be having about the change, e.g. “I’ve survived difficult changes before and I can do it again”.
Breathing exercises can help to ground you when change feels overwhelming or makes you anxious. Check out this blog, 6 Breathing Exercises to Try for breathing techniques you can use to try and help your mind and body relax.
When you’re short on sleep, it’s a lot harder to concentrate, solve problems, regulate emotions and make decisions. Take care of yourself during change by staying on top of your sleeping habits – you will be in a more stable position to cope and adjust.
As with anything, timelines for adjusting to change vary from person to person. Some will need more time than others, and that’s okay. It’s important to show yourself grace and compassion if you’re feeling poorly about others who seem to be adjusting more quickly.
Seeking support during a time of transition or change can be really helpful. Try talking to someone (e.g. a friend, family member, or maybe a helpline) about the feelings you’ve been having throughout this change. They might be able to offer a different perspective on the situation.
It is likely that people are going through similar transitions around you as well. Seek out a community that might relate to help you learn about their experinces and adapt them to your situation and see what did and didn’t help them.
