How well do you handle change? Do you go with the flow and take what life gives you in stride? (Relocating—bring it on! Divorce—no big deal!) Or, are you more likely to react to change with knots in your stomach, mood swings, or by shutting down emotionally?
Depending on the circumstances, change can affect mental wellness in different ways:
- Feeling a loss of control: Inability to control circumstances can leave you feeling vulnerable and helpless.
- Disrupted routines: Change can shift daily routines and upset what you're used to.
- Feeling isolated or lonely: In coping with life’s changes, it’s natural to want to hide from stress by isolating.
- Life seems unpredictable: Inability to predict outcomes can feel unsettling and overwhelming.
Although you may not be able to stop change from happening in life, there are steps you can take to help ease yourself through transitions. To get started:
Talk about it.Change can feel unsettling, but talking about it helps. When you’re right in the middle of a shift, whether at work, in your relationships, or within yourself, reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or Kindly Human Peer to help you cope. Sharing your experience with someone who has been there and gets what you’re going through can make all the difference.
Practice acceptance.Some situations in life can’t be avoided. That’s where acceptance comes in. By facing what you’re dealing with head-on, and embracing the circumstances as they are, you’ll have an easier time managing your stress levels. Try telling yourself, “This cannot be changed, but I’ll get through it.”
Remember your self-care.It’s easy to put self-care at the bottom of the to-do list when life throws you a curveball. However, taking care of yourself is even more important during times like these. Make sure to set aside time to focus on your physical, mental, and emotional health, which can improve your overall wellness and make you better able to handle stress.
Do one thing at a time.When change happens, you might have the impulse to do everything you can to get back to normal life as fast as possible. However, this sometimes creates a frantic state of mind, and can lead to overwork, burnout, and mental exhaustion. Remember to do one thing at a time during periods of change. Not only will this prevent you from feeling overwhelmed, but can also help you acclimate to the new norm.
Ask for help when you need it.Nobody has all the answers, no matter how much we might wish that were true. Whether you’re dealing with a shift in workload, managing a health crisis, or experiencing financial struggles, don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
Focus on the positives.When change occurs, it’s easy to dwell on all the negatives that happen as a result. However, this mindset can amplify stress, making situations worse. Try to focus on the positives, thinking about the areas of your life that bring you joy and fulfillment. Feeling gratitude can bolster confidence and help you get through difficult circumstances.
Kindly Human understands how important it is to feel supported through the ups and downs of life. The next time life throws you lemons, remember that your mental wellness matters, and you deserve support.