Change is part of life but these days it feels like things are constantly changing—masks, no masks, school, no school, work, no work, you get the gist. Change is hard. Everyone struggles with change in some way or another.
Big changes can have a way of unraveling life as we know it, leaving us feeling lost and overwhelmed. This can include moving to a new home, losing a loved one, changing a job, having a baby, and so on.
Wouldn’t it be nice if we could feel calm in the face of change? What if you had the tools to take on change and regain control over your life?
At Rooted & Rising we understand that change comes with many challenges, so we have put together a list of some things you can do to cope with change as it comes. If you struggle with change or other stressors in your life, consider seeking the help of a mental health professional like a counselor or therapist. They can help with tools that fit your life.
Ways to cope with change:
1.) Maintain a Routine
You might be laughing right now. How can I keep a routine when things are changing? I am sure there are still some things in your life that are staying the same, as the need for sleep, hygiene, and food.
Schedules and routines are very important for our mental health. They help to keep us feeling in control of our lives, they organize our thoughts and help to keep us from feeling overwhelmed. Try to keep some type of routine as you make your change. Try to get up and go to bed at the same time each day (get those 7/8 hours of sleep so you feel your best). Maintain consistent meal times and try to find healthy options. If you exercise regularly, try to keep that routine in some way or another (even it means shortening it). And, stick to your normal bathing, teeth brushing routine.
2.) Give Yourself a Time Limit for Stress
This is another one that might sound funny. How do you set a time limit for stress? Take note. How much time do you spend focusing on things that are stressing you out? Do you easily lose half a day to worrying about things? Whatever it is that you are going through, let yourself feel it, feel it completely. Then cut it off. Set a clear time limit and go all in. Be angry, be sad, and when the timer goes off make an action plan. Now, what are you going to do to ease some of that stress? Make a list. Write a letter. Call a friend. Turn off the phone. Leave the workplace.
3.) Self-care, self-care, self-care
Why do we always forget about self-care when we are stressed? It is almost always the first thing to go. But, it shouldn’t be. It is so important in keeping you healthy and helping you through change. Check in with yourself to see what you need. Are you in need of a break? Go for a walk. Say “no” to those plans so you can take a bath and go to bed early. Continue attending that weekly yoga class you look forward to. Whatever it is. Keep self-care a priority.
4.) Stay Connected
Humans need connection. We thrive on connecting with others. Yet so often when we are going through a big change, we cut ourselves off from others. We withdraw. Do your best to stay connected to friends and family. Answer the phone when they call. Share your stress and your struggles with those who care about you.
5.) Stay Positive
It is so easy to go down the rabbit hole of negative thinking. But, what if this happens? Ugh, that’s the worst. Stop focusing on all the negatives and instead shift your thinking to the positive. Try making a gratitude list when you start to feel yourself going negative. It will help to shift your focus. Instead of “I lost my job and now I have no money,” make it “now I can make the career change I have been longing for.” Ask yourself what will make you happy? A simple shift can make a big difference in your mood and your overall well-being.
Ready to begin counseling in PA?
The professionally trained and licensed counselors at Rooted & Rising Therapy in Bridgeville have openings. Our practice specializes in treating individuals through years of experience, we’re confident that no problem is too great to overcome. Through therapy, there is always a way to address the issues you face and learn coping strategies to help you both right now and in the future. Just call our office at (412) 228-8489 or email us at info@rootedandrisingtherapy.com to get started to feeling better today. We are here for you.