10 Tips to Help You Cope with Change

Change is a part of life. Without change, we become stagnant. Some changes are good, like graduating from college and getting a new job. Some changes are not so good, like losing a job. Some changes are planned for, like moving to a bigger home. Some changes are not planned, like winning the lottery. Some changes occur slowly like a child growing up and leaving home. And some changes happen quickly, like a disabling heart attack.

One thing every type of change has in common is that it can be stressful and affect your mental health. Psychology Today explains why even good changes can be challenging, such as the status quo is comfortable, one change can result in another change, fear of the unknown, etc.

You must learn how to deal effectively with all types of changes – the good and the bad. Not doing so can affect you mentally and physically (headaches, insomnia, digestive problems, etc.). A counselor or therapist can often help, and there are steps you can take to deal better with change.

Here are 10 Tips to Help Deal with Change

1.    Acknowledge That Things are Changing
Denying something is changing won’t keep it from changing and can create additional unnecessary stress. Try to acknowledge, accept, and perhaps even embrace change.
 

2.    Realize Even Good Change Can be Stressful
As we mentioned, even good changes can be stressful. So, when you’re going through a good change, watch for signs of stress and consider some of these tips to help minimize it.
 

3.    Focus on the Positive
There is scientific evidence of a phenomenon called negativity bias that causes people to have a “propensity to attend to, learn from, and use negative information far more than positive information.” Therefore, while some people tend to be more optimistic than others, we all need to proactively focus on the positive – rather than the negative – when we are going through a change.
 
4.    Find Something Familiar
Too many changes at one time can be particularly stressful, so try to find something familiar to do, such as rewatching a TV show you love or eating comfort food (within reason). Try to maintain a regular schedule.
 

5.    Be Flexible
Learn to accept that change is inevitable. Try to keep an open mind and let go of expectations. Don’t assume every change is bad and try to fight it. 
 

6.    Have a Strong Social Network
Having someone to talk to and provide support when you’re going through a transition can make all the difference.
 

7.    Eat Healthy
Healthy eating is essential at any time but becomes even more crucial when dealing with change and the resulting stress. According to the American Psychological Association, “People tend to seek high-calorie, high-fat foods during periods of stress, though in fact, when people are stressed, their bodies store more fat than when they are relaxed.” So, when you are going through any kind of change, do your best to eat healthy foods, such as fruits and vegetables.
 

8.    Exercise
Again, exercise is always crucial to your mental and physical well-being, but even more so when you’re under stress. According to the Mayo Clinic, exercise offers “stress-busting benefits,” such as producing endorphins, increased self-confidence, improved mood, etc.
 

9.    Avoid Self-Medication, alcohol, and Drugs
Drugs and alcohol can seem to make things a little more bearable at the moment, but they can also cause depression and other health issues.
 

10. Avoid Making Major Life Changes
If you have a choice, don’t make any major life changes when going through a stressful transition. Stress and anxiety can cause brain fog, and your judgment may not be at its best. 

Life Change Therapy

Sometimes, these steps aren’t enough, and the help of an experienced life change counselor can make all the difference. Life Change Therapy is an effective way to help people adjust to the changes they face.

If you’re struggling to cope with a change in your life, a life change counselor at Solution Focused Counseling can provide the necessary support and guidance to help you adjust to life transitions. Contact us today at 610-772-8851 or schedule a free 15-minute consultation.