There are few things that are certain or guaranteed in life. But one thing you can be assured of is change. Whether it is the change in the weather and seasons or the change with our bodies and minds, a lot of change can happen over the course of a lifetime. It doesn’t mean that we have to get used to it or fully embrace it – but there are things that we can do to cope with change and help us through these times.
We are sharing some tips for coping with the big changes that come in life and how you can come out on the other side a better person for having weathered the storm so to speak.
Acknowledge Things Are Changing
We get busy with life, we settle into our normal, our routines, and we get comfortable with the way things are. So when certain things begin to change, we get caught up in fighting the change, and can actually make things worse for ourselves – especially psychologically.
Denial is a powerful tool, and in many ways, we think that it can protect us from the changes if we just ignore them. Try this instead, step outside all of it and say to yourself, “this change is happening or this change is coming and you know what? We are going to be okay.”
That in and of itself can be less stressful than just putting the change off or not dealing with an issue till the very last moment.
Stress Can Come From Good Change
Even the most wonderful things in life, such as getting married or having a baby, can cause a great deal of stress. You may even feel some dread and apprehension – and those are all healthy feelings and responses. Keep a positive mindset to help channel the stress; after all, stress is just your body reacting to something.
Feeling some stress is fine, even when something good is going on. But of course, if you are feeling overwhelmed and unable to deal with the stress and the change, talk to others, and get help when you need to.
Keep Up Your Regular Schedule
Sometimes, a lot of change can come about all at once. For example, as you get older, you may find it harder to do what you normally would do throughout the day. It can make your entire day seem horrible when you realize your life is changing in more than one way. I felt this when I realized that the pain in my knees was getting worse, not better, and there were a lot of daily activities that I took for granted I could no longer do.
Curling up and giving in is NOT how to deal with these types of changes. Stick to your regular routine as much as you can. If you aren’t able to get around that much, perhaps walking canes would help you, or something like a mobility scooter or a rollator.
Did how you go about your regular routine change? Yes, but you are still able to carry on doing what you have always done, you just have something to help you do so now.
Keeping things somewhat the same will help to act as an anchor to show you and remind you that there are things that still the same, just a little different in how you carry them out.
Try To Eat As Healthy As Possible
One of my downfalls has always been to reach for the bread, the cakes, the muffins when change happens and I am feeling anxious and depressed. I use food to comfort me. Honestly, though, it really can make you feel worse. You can have a bit of what you fancy (remember MODERATION is KEY), but also take steps to eat well and eat healthily. A meal plan often helps with this and there are some great bloggers who offer meal plans. All you need to do is search up the type of meal plan you are looking for and you’ll be on your way.
What are some methods you have used to cope with changes and difficult times in your life? Leave a comment below for us and let us know.
