How to Cope With Change

“Sometimes, life throws us curveballs. We aren’t expecting things to change and suddenly they do. There are also times when we plan changes, such as a move or the status of a relationship, but they do not turn out the way that we would hope or expect. Here are some things to consider and strategies to use so that you can become stronger and more resilient whether you planned for your life to change or not.

Acknowledge both negative and positive emotions surrounding the change

Acknowledging all the feelings that you have is necessary to know how to cope. It’s normal to have mixed emotions around changes, to wonder whether you made the right decision, or to wish things were the way they used to be. Recognizing and normalizing negative thoughts and feelings will allow you to make space in your head for other feelings. It will also allow you to move to the next step.

Make a list of what has changed and what will be different

You can be flexible with your list, with a column for aspects of change you didn’t expect that are positive and negative, or a list of things you hope for as a result of the change. Keep the list someplace you can find it and refer to it as you go through different phases of adjustment.

Keep a journal to write about your feelings and experiences as you adjust to change

While writing in a journal is not for everyone, it can be helpful during life transitions. The reason is that you are able to look back at previous entries, see how change impacts you as it unfolds, and reflect on the progress that you’ve made and how your emotions change over time. Looking back on hard days and knowing that you no longer feel the same can be encouraging. If you don’t see much change or progress over time, that may be a sign that you need to seek more support.

Seek emotional support from people you trust

Basically, no matter what your needs are as you adjust, you want the support of people who know you well and understand you. If you’re finding that your circle is small, seek the support of a mental health professional, with whom you can build trust, and who has experience in helping others like you.

Unexpected change is difficult, and even positive, expected changes can feel hard sometimes. But transitions in life can be softened with the right strategies and a support network that cares about you. You may even start to see good things emerge that make the change easier to bear. ”

Read the whole article at Psychology Today

#Changes #Life-transitions #Coping

💬 What was the biggest life transition in your life and how did you adjust to the change?

Did you like this topic? Then you might also enjoy reading the post “Finding Ease With Transition in Ever Changing Times”