Your Tool Kit for Dealing with Change
Uncertainty registers as tension in the brain: something that must be corrected before one can feel comfortable again. That is why we crave certainty. Not knowing what will happen next can be profoundly debilitating because it requires extra neural energy.
“How we thrive is through routine and predictability. It gives us a sense of control. When there are big changes, we are suddenly thrown into a state of uncertainty.”
It is perfectly normal to feel fear and be unsettled with change; the unhealthy part occurs with inappropriate and unhelpful responses: Dealing with change can sometimes be uncomfortable, stressful or even scary.
Here are some things you can do to make coping with changes in your life a little easier.
1. Think things through and ask, ‘What’s the worst that can happen?’
Think about the last time you were faced with a big change and got through it okay. Sometimes it’s not as bad as it seems at first, and may just take a little time to get used to.
2. Ask yourself how much you can control
When a big change occurs, it’s important to figure out how much control over the situation you really have. Understanding your role and how much you can change can help you put things in perspective.
3. Accept and reframe
If the unwanted change is beyond your control, try taking a reflective approach. Accepting that there are things beyond your control, and choosing to be comfortable with that fact, View change as an opportunity to learn and grow, rather than as a setback, even if you have to fake it til you make it!
4. Celebrate the positives
Even though it can be a tough ask, focusing on the positives can really help you manage change.
5. Take action
If the unwanted change is within your control, take an active approach to dealing with it. Try problem-solving techniques, focusing on the problem at hand, developing a plan of action, and asking for advice are useful active strategies.
6. Manage your stress
Improving your ability to handle stress will go a long way to helping you deal with change. Try practising mindfulness, or meditation or engaging in other relaxation techniques.
7. Seek support
It’s perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed if the change you’re facing is really big, or there’s too much change happening all at once. Know there are always others in similar situations.
If you’re finding it hard to cope with change or feeling overwhelmed call Pauline on 087 6203371 for professional help.
