Healthy Transitions- How to stay afloat during stressful times
Life transitions are inevitable- there will always be some level of ebb and flow in your life, and while some changes can be tough and bittersweet, some can also be really exciting and promising. Either way, it’s hard to experience life transitions without a pretty hefty amount of stress along the way. So, how do you handle this stress on top of the responsibility of smoothly completing these transitions and maintaining the flow of your life direction?
What Is A Life Transition?
Here are some examples of common life transitions that can bring a considerable amount of stress and pose a strain on your mental health and wellbeing.
Moving/relocating
Ending a job
Starting a new job
Being unemployed
Breakups
Marriage
Pregnancy
Graduation
Starting a new relationship
Transitioning between therapists
How do you minimize stress during these transitional periods in your life?
Stay organized. Keep lists of the tasks you need to complete and the tasks you have already completed. Add events to your calendar so you can visually process what the next several days and weeks will look like for you. Breaking down tasks into smaller, more manageable steps can feel more accessible and less intimidating, while also helping you prioritize.
Set boundaries for yourself. During these challenging times, everything in your life usually feels up in the air and uncertain. Life feels disorganized, and it never feels like there is enough time in the day, let alone energy to take care of everything. Make sure you are setting appropriate boundaries with friends and family to maximize your own time and energy. Notice when you are “people pleasing” vs. doing something on your own accord.
Reach out for support when you need it. If you are moving, maybe you need a hand from one of your friends to pack up boxes. If you’re recovering from a breakup, maybe you need some one-on-one time with a close friend. If you’re beginning therapy with a new provider, open up to them about how scary this feels. Remember you don’t have to do everything by yourself.
Allow yourself to feel your emotions. Transitions are not easy, and while it can feel like there are a lot of logistics to tend to, don’t forget to create sufficient space for yourself to let go and experience whatever emotions come up. Sometimes keeping in the emotions during times like these can build up and be released in unhelpful ways if not managed regularly.
Identify your constants. What in your life will remain the same while everything around you is changing? Maybe it’s a yoga class you go to every week, or maybe it’s your skincare routine, or maybe it’s your daily visit to the park with your dog. Try to find activities, items, people, or really anything in your life that stays constant, and continue to integrate it into your life to maintain some level of consistency.
Get comfortable with discomfort. Uncertainty is hard because our brains naturally want answers and structure and familiarity. When our lives are in limbo, it’s harder for our brains to manage the gaps in expectations or break in patterns. Sitting in the discomfort of not knowing specific details about your life is going to be an important step towards moving through this transition.
Allow yourself to grieve whatever you are leaving behind. Whether you lost a relationship, or are leaving a city, or are finished with your degree and leaving your school, there is definitely significant loss involved. Before you jump into preparing for the next step, remember that you can slow down and grieve this part of your life, recognizing that it will always be a part of your story and experience.
Identify and celebrate the things you have to look forward to. Along with grieving a past experience, you are also entering a whole new experience. With that comes excitement, hope, and potential. Think about your hopes and goals for this next part of your life, and allow yourself to start getting excited about the possibilities in the near future. What are you most excited about and how could your life change for the better?
Still Need Help With A Difficult Transition?
If you’re having trouble navigating a new or difficult transition, feel free to reach out and schedule an appointment with one of our providers here.