Life is a constant rollercoaster of unpredictability. Even on a daily basis, things can change around you. Some life changes are welcomed, for example getting promoted at work. Other life changes, like losing a loved one, can be harder to deal with. In either case, it is helpful to know how to handle life’s many changes so that you can keep calm and carry on. Here are some of our best tips for dealing with life changes:
Remember that change often comes with stress
Life changes of any kind are often accompanied by stress, especially those that are sudden or extensive. Although stress has a negative connotation for many people, stress is an essential bodily reaction that can actually help you deal with new changes. With that being said, however, you will want to be sure that you monitor and manage your stress levels.
Be proactive, not reactive
Being proactive means that you take time to figure out what steps should be taken before a particular change, while being reactive means that you wait for the change to occur before figuring out what to do. In some cases, it is impossible to be proactive. However, there are other situations where being proactive can help you prepare for a particular life change, which can also help you manage your stress levels. For example, having your car serviced before a cross-country move can save you from the stress of breaking down on the side of the road. In this case, being proactive could also save you the money of needing to pay for a tow. When it comes to navigating life changes, a therapist can help you be more proactive.
Accept that there are things you cannot control
At the end of the day, there are certain aspects of life that you just can’t control, no matter how much you wish you could. Simply accepting that there are things you cannot change can significantly help you deal with certain life changes. However, many people struggle with accepting a lack of control in certain situations. If this sounds like you, then you may benefit from talk therapy.
Know when to take a break
When dealing with any type of life change, it is good to know when you need to take a break. Even the most goal-oriented people need to take a break every now and then, especially when it comes to dealing with life changes. The key to downtime is finding something that relaxes you, so that you can distract yourself from the mental, the physical and emotional stress of life changes. For example, some activities that could help relieve mental stress include listening to music, hiking or walking outside, prayer, yoga or meditation.
Know when to ask for help
Certain life changes are more challenging than others. Although it is normal to struggle from time to time, it is important to know when to ask for help. Just as this blog article was able to provide you with a few quick tips on dealing with life changes, talking with a therapist can also help you learn new strategies for dealing with particular situations. In cases where you feel stuck or completely at a loss for what to do next, consulting with a licensed mental health professional can be highly beneficial.