Change is a fact of life. It helps us evolve and empowers us with the experience we need to grow and become wiser. Change can be good or bad; while it is sometimes controllable and manageable, other times, it can be right down terrifying. This is when you have to find positive ways to deal with change.
The problem is that we get caught up in the daily grind of everyday living. We take care of everyone and everything else that we forget to take care of ourselves. Staying mentally healthy enables us to stay alert so we can better manage change. It also helps you connect with who you are as a person, be confident in your choices and your abilities.
Lucky for you, we have got you covered! Keep reading to find out how you can adapt to change in a healthy way.
- Develop Healthy Habits
Goal setting helps keep you mentally alert; it gives you something to plan and look forward to. Make it a point to try something new every month, like a new hobby or a new exercise routine.
Challenge yourself to read a book each week or eat at a new restaurant every now and then. We know that stepping out of your comfort zone can be scary, but it can be just as exciting. It is a great way to learn new things and meet new people.
Being proactive about your mental health can help guide you towards making better choices. This is especially true when it comes to dealing with change.
- Know Your Core Values
When you know what your core values are, hardly anything can make you feel weak. The first step is to define what they are.
Ask yourself: what is important to you? Is it honesty? Loyalty? Efficiency? Financial security? Religion? These are your personal values.
Make a list and hang it up somewhere you can see it every day. Having that constant reminder will keep you focused and determined.
- Express Your Needs
It is important to remember that communicating your needs is important. The trick is in the way you convey your thoughts and feelings.
First, learn how to speak clearly. When you do so, you organize your thoughts in a simple, straightforward fashion. Choose words that convey your poise and determination.
Be confident and stand up for what you want. Society has led us to believe that if you speak up, you are domineering and bossy. Yet, if you nod in silence, you are obedient and compliant. That could not be farther from the truth!
Expressing your needs in an effective, calm manner is healthy. It is not arrogance—always remember that!
- Accept What You Cannot Control
By accepting whatever happened in the past, you let go of the bitterness and pain and no longer feel like a helpless victim. It is true: there are certain things we have no control over. So, it is useless to spend hours worrying and fretting over something that you cannot change.
While we cannot escape the inevitability of change, we can control how we respond to it. That gives you more control, and when you are in control, you will be more resilient, more confident, and certainly much happier.
Alternatively, there are things we can change. Figure out what those are and take action whenever possible.
- Look for the Silver Lining
Life is all about ups and downs, highs and lows; no one stays happy or miserable all the time.
One of the best things you can do when you are dealing with change is to look for the silver lining. Every situation has something good or humorous about it.
Looking on the bright side can help you see your problem from a whole new angle. Having that fresh perspective will allow you to cope with the change.
Final Thoughts
With these five hands-on ways to deal with change, you are ready for anything that comes your way. Sure, it might be a bit scary at first. After all, having a healthy dose of fear every once in a while will only make you stronger.
Remember, whichever coping mechanism you use, always know your self-worth. Having a positive self-image can help you stay spiritually, emotionally, and mentally fit, especially during times of change.
References
betterhealth.vic.gov.au
carleyschweet.com
casework.eu
centreforoptimism.com
experiencelife.com
madeleineolivia.co.uk
onstrategyhq.com
onstrategyhq.com
quotefancy.com
whiteswanfoundation.org
Cover Image by Freepik