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Plan ahead - If you know that change is on the horizon, it is a good idea to have a contingency plan in place. Being prepared for what lies ahead is always helpful.

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Plan ahead -

For example, if you know that your spouse will be in hospital for an extended period, put a plan in place for how you will handle your extra responsibilities.

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Reframe your thinking -

Perhaps easier said than done, but try to reframe any negative thoughts. The first step to take is to recognize patterns of negative thinking.

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Reframe your thinking -

As soon as you have identified these patterns, you can stop negative thoughts in their tracks and reframe them in a neutral, or even positive, light.

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Take time to reflect - When things in our lives change dramatically, we sometimes experience feelings of loss. It is important to take the time to mourn the way things were.

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Take time to reflect -

This can be difficult given our busy daily lives, but we need to give time to our feelings of sadness and loss if we are going to dive fully into something new.

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Strive to maintain normalcy -

There is a lot to be said for maintaining some level of normalcy in your day-to-day life. This will ease the burden of things changing around you.

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Strive to maintain normalcy -

If you normally go for a morning walk or an afternoon coffee, continue to do so. Try to stick to your normal sleeping, waking, and eating times.

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Create some comfort - Try and incorporate some activities that you find relaxing into each day. Whether it’s going for a walk, reading, or taking a warm bath, make it a part of your routine.

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Create some comfort -

It is important to make sure your relaxing activities are not destructive. Smoking, drinking, and gambling should be off the menu, for example.

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Count your blessings -

Whatever difficult transitional situation you may be going through, counting your blessings each day can certainly help ease the burden for you.

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Count your blessings -

You might try and practice gratitude, i.e. start the day by listing at least three things in your life that you are truly thankful for.

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Remember that good change can cause stress -

Change is often stressful, but you might find it helpful to remind yourself that it is for the greater good. Even good change can cause stress.

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Remember that good change can cause stress -

Try and remind yourself that stress is a normal physical reaction to change and that it is only temporary. You may well find this puts your mind at ease.

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Eat healthily -

Perhaps an obvious one, but don’t forget to eat properly. Supplying your body with the nutrients it needs is the best way to equip yourself to deal with the stresses of change.

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Eat healthily -

Unfortunately for many of us, we tend to eat too much of certain foods when we’re stressed. Try to keep this in check and you’ll feel better about yourself.

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Exercise -

And what goes hand in hand with a healthy diet? Exercise, of course. Physical activity is one of the best proven ways to reduce stress.

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Exercise -

If you don’t currently exercise as part of your weekly routine, try to add some sessions. Even if it’s just going for a walk, getting the blood pumping can make a huge difference.

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Seek support -

If you are really struggling with the stresses of change in your life, don’t be afraid to reach out to your support network. That’s what they’re there for, after all.

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Seek support -

Think of your friends, family, or even neighbors. The likelihood is you have more than a few people around you who would be willing to help make things easier for you.

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Write down the positives -

This one may sound similar to practicing gratitude, and in a way it is. In addition to listing general positives, however, try and list good things to have come from the change.

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Write down the positives -

Even changes that seem very negative, such as a demotion at work, can have benefits. Perhaps you now have more time to spend with friends and family, for example.

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Get proactive -

As a general rule, it is good to be as proactive as possible when it comes to taking control of your life. Being proactive means thinking ahead and planning for things before they happen.

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Get proactive -

For example, if you know you have a stressful event coming up, you might book an appointment with a doctor for a physical. Being proactive can reduce change-induced stress.

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Vent (to a point) -

It can be a good idea to join a support group and vent a little to ease the pressure you are feeling. Venting alone can be contagious, however.

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Vent (to a point) -

Rather than piling venting on venting, try to focus with your group on actions that you can all take to improve your respective situations.

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Limit social media -

When we are going through a stressful change in our lives, it can be easy to gravitate towards social media to post about the experience for all to see.

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Limit social media -

Social media can provide a certain release, but remember that it can also compound stress by showing us the ‘highlight reels’ of everyone’s lives and prompting us to compare.

Sources: (Henry Ford Health) (Psychology Today)

See also: Negative thought patterns and how to reverse them

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