The one constant thing in our lives is change, as it is constant and inevitable. Change can come into our lives as a result of a crisis, as a result of choice or just by chance. In either situation, we are all faced with having to make a choice.
The reality is we cannot avoid the unexpected events or crisis in our lives as it is these events that challenge us and pave a pathway for us to step out of our comfort zone. If we ignore or hide away from the challenge of change, we potentially deny ourselves the opportunity to learn and grow.
Our resilience in life can only grow stronger when we embrace change and manage these challenges in a positive way, rather than ignore the opportunities that change can bring to our lives. Below are some strategies that can assist with adapting to change:
Work on changing your mindset
We tend to like living our lives in our comfort zone because it is a known zone and embracing change is like stepping into the unknown, and hence why our brain consciously resists it. There is no escaping the fact that change is a disruptor and it feels uncomfortable and scary. However, it is our power of choice that enables us to activate positive change in our lives. So, make the choice by changing your mindset.
Focus on your values
Reminding ourselves of what’s important to us, such as family, friends, religious beliefs, scientific achievement, great music, creative expression, can create a surprisingly powerful buffer against whatever troubles may be ailing us. Knowing what is important in your life gives you purpose and sets the direction of how you want to live your life. With a sense of purpose and meaning in life, you have clarity and focus and both these elements are essential to you being able to successfully adapt and manage the impact of change in your life.
Avoid holding on to regrets and look for opportunities in change
Regrets have a huge impact on how you respond to change and they hold you back in life. Letting go of your regrets is key to you being able to move forward in life. You cannot change what you did or did not do in the past so let it go. The only control you have now is to choose to live in your present and future life. Change is the only thing that presents opportunities in life, so if you are open to opportunities then you are open to change.
Live a balanced healthy life
Living a balanced and healthy active life builds our resilience and ability to successfully manage the disruption that change can have on our lives. Finding positive ways to deal with the stress and pressure that we face daily is key to our survival on both a physical and emotional level.
Remember it’s good to reach out for support
You can learn from other people on how they survived change and transition. They can see it more objectively than you can. Talking to others will give you peace in the fact that you are not alone and give you the strength and courage to embrace change.
If you are going through difficulties and need to find your inner strength, why not give us a call today? Our team of highly skilled and well-experienced Psychologists are here to help.
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This blog was written by Aanchal Sood, Psychologist at Your Mind Matters. Aanchal completed studies in psychopharmacology and psychology in England, and is fluent in both Hindi and Punjabi. Aanchal has experience assisting adolescents, adults and couples to address a variety of difficulties including anxiety and mood disorders, grief and loss, trauma and stress related disorders, adjustment issues (e.g. cultural adjustment), sleep difficulties, relationship difficulties, schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders, obsessive compulsive and related disorders. Aanchal works with us 1-2 evenings per week. |