Positive Ways to deal with Change

I had planned on writing this article for a long time. I was going to focus on all types of life changes including, (but not limited to): a move, a new job, the loss of a relationship, a big promotion, a setback, a new person coming into the picture and so on. Change happens all the time and its part of life. You’re going to come face-to-face with some pretty major life changes, likely quite a few times. Dealing with change in a positive way makes all the difference in the world!

Now, for the time we’re living in, we are all facing a pretty big change in our day-to-day life. COVID-19 has us quarantined, (for those intelligent enough to listen to the stay-at-home orders that have been put in place.) To anybody who isn’t an essential employee that keeps going on with your daily life as if nothing is happening – you’re the worst. 

Let’s talk about some positive methods we can all use to deal with not only the changes we are all facing right now but any other changes that come into our lives in the future.

You’re going to experience stress, whether the situational change is good or bad. Either way, change causes stress.

Stress is a part of change. Even if the change you are experiencing is a positive one, you’re likely going to experience some form of stress. The key is finding positive coping mechanisms for said stress.

Some Positive ways to manage stress: 

• Exercise
• Meditation & Breathing Exercises
• Journaling

Focus only on what you can control.

There are a lot of things we cannot control. Focusing on those things is not good for your mental health. Instead, focus on what you can control:

• The way you react.
• Your mindset.
• How you can make the situation better for you.

Focus on the positive aspects of the change.

There’s always a silver lining. You just have to be focused and open-minded enough to spot it. Even in what may feel like a dire change, there will be at least some positive aspects!

Example: Say you have made a major move away from family and friends. Some positive aspects of that change would be: new opportunities, the chance to meet new people, the chance to explore a new place, a new home and so on.

Eliminate Negative Self-Talk

Negative self-talk is going to crush your mood every single time. It can be a difficult habit to reverse but that doesn’t mean that it’s impossible. Over time, you can use strategies to help eliminate negative self-talk.

• Check out this post on dealing with self-doubt

Establish a Routine

Routines are saviors when it comes to mental health. Especially in times of change, a solid routine can keep you going and help you adapt more smoothly.

Some Routines to Consider Creating for a Smoother Transition during times of change: 

• A Morning Routine
• A Nightly Routine
• A Skincare Routine
• An Exercise Routine

Face Your Feelings

Concealing your feelings or outright denying them is not good. Those feelings will build up and eventually boil over. Nobody wants that. The best way to avoid your feelings ‘boiling over’ is to face them. Your feelings are valid. Don’t hide from them.

Ensure that You’re Taking Care of YOU

Not only is self-care crucial all the time, it is especially crucial during times of change. Make sure you’re exercising, eating healthy, drinking enough water and doing other activities that take care of your physical and mental health.

Talk it Out with Those Close To You

When we are having issues, one of the best things we can do is talk to somebody close to us. Going through a change? Talk about that change with somebody close to you. Tell them your frustrations, your worries and allow them to offer advice. Often times, just talking about it can help a lot.

Take Positive Actions

Living a healthy, positive lifestyle is going to make just about every situation better. In times of change, ensure that the actions you’re taking are positive ones. Focus on your health, (physical & mental).

Understand that you will Adjust

One of the biggest things to understand when facing a major life change is understanding that you will adjust. It may take time. It may take work and it may take sacrifices on your part. However, in the end, you will make the adjustment. Keep telling yourself that.

What You’re Feeling is Normal. Change is scary.

We all react differently to major change. It is scary. We can feel like we’re losing it a little bit from time to time. The important thing to remember is that you’ve faced things in the past and overcame. Go in with a positive mindset. Focus on the positive aspects of the change and seek help when needed.

You’ve got this.