Navigating Change and Life Transitions
“Heraclitus, I believe, says that all things pass and nothing stays, and comparing existing things to the flow of a river, he says you could not step twice into the same river.” – Plato
For as long as change and life transition have existed in life, we as humans have had difficulty with them. Our difficulty with change shows up as anxiety, avoidance, fear, resistance, anger, grief, and so on. I could probably list every human emotion, and they would all show up in one form or another in response to change. I don’t have any secret hacks that will magically make life transitions easy and carefree, but I do have a few strategies that might help reduce the stress of change and increase your resiliency.
But first, what is a life transition? Simply put, a life transition is any change or adjustment that impacts your life in a significant way. Some are big, some small, some planned, some unexpected. Transitions can be centered around exciting events – such as graduating from school or welcoming a new member to your family – and they can also be prompted by loss or painful events – such as losing a job or a loved one. All types of transitions can be difficult – even the ones arising from a “positive event.”
Whatever transition you may be experiencing now, here are a few suggestions for navigating it. Take what resonates, and ignore what doesn’t fit. It may be most manageable to pick just 1 or 2 suggestions to start.
Stay connected with your support system – whether family, friends, support groups, or online communities.
Give yourself time – This looks different for everyone, and the only “correct” timeline for moving through transition is the one that you are on.
Practice mindfulness, being present in the moment, and/or gratitude.
Follow your curiosity. In response to uncertainty, curiosity is the opposite of fear. Wherever your curiosity may be showing up, in any small or big way, it may be a good time to follow it. This could be as simple as trying that new hobby you’ve been considering.
Build a new routine – Start small, and with what feels right. Maybe you start with a consistent wake up time, or you start each day with breakfast, a walk, or a cup of coffee.
Channel your transition into creativity.
Exercise – in whatever amount and form is right and accessible for your body.
Set small, attainable goals. Some of us might be overwhelmed by everything we need to “do” in response to a transition, and others may pressure themselves to figure everything out at once. Instead, try to ground back to one thing at a time. This one thing might be responding to a text, scheduling a doctor’s appointment, or looking at a new apartment.
Practice self-compassion. Just like there’s no “right timeline,” there is no “right way” to make it through your transition. Be kind and caring toward yourself where possible. It’s ok to be stressed, overwhelmed, scared, unsure, and any other feeling that may arise.
Seek help through therapy. If you’re experiencing a high degree of distress during a life transition that is significantly affecting your ability to navigate daily life, you may benefit from mental health support.
References:
https://www.manhattancbt.com/archives/4288/life-transitions/