How to Deal with Change

When dealing with a small or big change in your life, you may feel nervous or anxious about how it will affect your life. Below are a few tips to guide you through your feelings.

Plan ahead. If this is a change that you know is coming, prepare for it so you aren’t overloaded with work and emotions. For example, if you’re moving to a new area, prepare your moving details, such as reserving a moving truck, buying totes or boxes, and start packing the non-essentials.

Find some normalcy. When changes happen in our lives, we can feel overwhelmed because we haven’t experienced it before. To help you through your life change, find some normalcy. For example, if you drink coffee in the morning, take the time to have your favorite kind before you begin your day. It’s important to make yourself feel relaxed as you begin your day, as well as have dedicated time just for you.

Remember your blessings. When changes happen, stress usually comes along with it. You may start to think, “Will anything go my way?” Your mindset is what will help you through challenging times. Give yourself a few minutes to cry, break down or be angry, but then, move on. Remember what’s going right for you; think about your blessings in life.

Be social. As you maneuver through life changes, it’s who’s beside you that will make a difference. Jobs come and go, but your friends, family and partner are the ones who matter the most. Having someone to talk to, have fun with and depend on can help lower your anxieties because you feel loved.

Talk to a therapist. If your anxiety feels like it’s overcoming you, try talking to a therapist. Going through life changes can be overwhelming, but by talking to a therapist, you could find ways to cope with your changes based on your personality.   

If you need help dealing with a big or small change, contact Mercy’s EAP services at (319) 398-6575 to schedule a visit.

Photo: ©iStock.com/gece33