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Writer's pictureTom Shaw

Coping with change in your life

Change….

Many people spend a great deal of effort trying to avoid change, but it will inevitably catch up with them. Whether it's starting a new job, moving to a different city, the end of a relationship, or a loss of a loved one, try these strategies to cope with change.


Any life is a life of change. 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 with them. If you can learn to cope with change, you’ll lower your risk for 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.



Evaluate Your Level of Control

Sometimes it’s all too easy to become fixated on 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 unmovable, resilient people set their sights on 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, don’t push away any grief you might feel.


Acknowledge the loss, and pay attention to what you’ve learned from the experience. Seek support and camaraderie among friends and family, and consider speaking with a counsellor or other mental health professional if you feel you need extra support during the transition.



Be in the Present

While it’s important to look to the past to find your strengths, sometimes you can feel too pulled in to the future in times of change. 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 bring your focus back to the present.


 

To Do

1. Create a mind map of everything that is going on in your life

2. Write 5 positive things that will happen in the near and distant future

3. Look after ones self with meditation or breathing exercises

5 minutes meditation

Yoga for relaxation



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