Volume 3, Issue 9
Managing Major Life Changes
As the French writer François de la Rochefoucauld once said, The only thing constant in life is change. Therefore, learning to manage major life changes in a positive way is essential to physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Regardless of whether these changes are positive, such as having a baby or relocating for a new job, or negative, such as the loss of a parent or the dissolution of a marriage, there are steps that you can take to better navigate these stormy seas. By doing so, you can emerge stronger and wiser on the other side.
Consider the following strategies to maintain physical, emotional, and spiritual health during major life changes:
Take care of yourself: If you haven’t done so already, now is the time to learn to positively manage stress. Adequate rest, moderate exercise, and a well-balanced diet are indispensable, particularly during a major transition. When you are under stress, it is all too easy to turn to “quick fixes,” such as alcohol, caffeine, sleeping pills, or sweets. While these choices may make you feel better temporarily, over the long-term, they may leave you feeling worse. Instead, try deep breathing techniques, yoga, or creative visualization. Depending on personal taste, close your eyes and listen to music, draw or paint a picture, or write in a journal to express your feelings in a constructive and therapeutic way. If necessary, unplug the phone, the television, and the computer for a little while. Down time is important. Are you getting enough of it? Relax with a pet, watch an uplifting movie, or escape into a novel. Stay active and involved with hobbies. Do something daily just for the fun of it!
Seek emotional support: Maintain friendships and other social connections. Studies have shown that socially isolated individuals are at greater risk for health problems. So, talk with others about your experiences. It can lower your blood pressure and increase your immune system’s ability to fight disease. Of course, if relocation is your significant life change, finding emotional support may be a bit more challenging, and you may have to be creative to meet new people. Do you have children? Consider a parenting group or “Mommy and Me” fitness class at your local community center. Volunteer for a worthy cause that resonates with you or find a new church to call home. Soon, you will make new friends who share your interests. If you are experiencing physical or emotional challenges, consider attending a community support group. No matter what your specific obstacles may be, it is likely that someone in the group has already been where you are and figured out a workable solution. What’s more, you can share your feelings with others who will understand.
Be patient: We’ve all heard the old adage patience is a virtue. But, it is particularly true when undergoing a major change in your life. If you’re starting a new job, for example, give yourself at least two weeks before forming any opinions about the job, your co-workers, your boss, etc. You’ll probably be overwhelmed, so give yourself time to acclimate to your new surroundings. If you’ve lost a loved one, you will need time to grieve. Be patient with yourself as you experience the various stages of the grieving process, and remember that you will have good days and bad days. Try to do at least one self-nurturing act daily. This might be reading a chapter in a motivational book, escaping into a candle-lit bubble bath, attending a yoga class, getting a massage, or sipping a cup of herbal tea on the front porch. Eventually, you’ll find what works for you. Ultimately, you will develop a new comfort zone.
Regardless of whether your major life change is the result of personal choice or a twist of fate, work toward practicing self-care, creating a support system, and acquiring patience each and every day. Once this change is behind you, you’ll be stronger and wiser for the next change that comes your way.