How to cope with and welcome change in your life so it doesn't overwhelm you
New life situations, places, relationships and schedules can leave you feeling as if the rug has been pulled from underneath you. But you can get through it. Here’s how
Some people embrace it; others run from it. For most of us, change can often be daunting or stressful, leaving us feeling as if things are out of our control, which makes us uncomfortable.
However, sometimes a little change – and a little discomfort – can be good for you. Here’s how you can become one of those people who embrace change rather than resist it.
Change is a part of life
The truth is, there is no such thing as stability, so we shouldn’t expect it. Things are always changing, particularly in our fast-paced, modern world.
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The high points in your life are only temporary, but so are the lows, so you need to be equipped to deal with both. If you can accept that nothing stays the same forever – including you – you are less likely to be blindsided by unexpected obstacles.
Create new opportunities
Your default reaction to change might be that it’s unfortunate or unfair, and so you resist or resent it. However, change doesn’t have to be a bad thing, and it is certainly almost never personal.
Instead of seeing change as something happening to you, think of it as a way of creating new opportunities for you. If you embrace change and seize these opportunities, you’ll find that they can work in your favour.
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Focus on what’s important
During times of instability, it can help to look for constants, like the support of your friends or family.
When you're going through periods of change, it can feel as if everything is up in the air, but if you take a step back and look at the bigger picture, you may find that the changes in your life aren’t as Earth-shattering as you thought, and are not going to affect any of the things that matter most to you.
Make sure you are heard
You should focus on the things you can control rather than stressing about things that you cannot influence. You may have to accept and adapt to some aspects of change, while playing an active role in shaping other changes.
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If you have any concerns, questions or ideas, make sure you tell someone. This isn’t about resisting change; it’s about being part of the change-making process.
Don’t live in the past
There is no point wishing things could go back to the way they were. This will only make you unhappy and unproductive. The future may be unclear, but it is also full of potential. Be prepared for the worst that could happen, but strive for the best.
This article was curated in conjunction with Young Post.
