Adulting 101: tips on how to cope with change in your life so they don't overwhelm you

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If you ever feel as if the rug has been pulled from beneath you, here’s how to regain your footing

Charlotte Ames-Ettridge |
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Dealing with change can be scary or stressful. It can feel as if things are out of our control, and this makes us uncomfortable. However, sometimes a little change – and a little discomfort – can be good for you. Here’s how you can embrace change rather than resist it.

Change is a part of life

The truth is, there is no such thing as stability, so we shouldn’t expect it. Things are always changing, particularly in our fast-paced, modern world.

The high points in your life are only temporary, but so are the lows, so you need to be equipped to deal with both. If you can accept that nothing stays the same forever – including you – you are less likely to be blindsided by unexpected obstacles.

Create new opportunities

Your default reaction to change might be that it’s unfortunate or unfair, and so you resist or resent it. However, change doesn’t have to be a bad thing, and it is certainly almost never personal.

Instead of seeing change as something happening to you, think of it as a way of creating new opportunities for you. If you embrace change and seize these opportunities, you’ll find that they can work in your favour.

Focus on what’s important

During times of instability, it can help to look for constants, like the support of your friends or family.

It can feel as if everything is up in the air, but if you take a step back and look at the bigger picture, you may find that the changes in your life aren’t as Earth-shattering as you thought, and are not going to affect any of the things that matter most
to you.

Make sure you are heard

You should focus on the things you can control rather than stressing about things that you cannot influence. You may have to accept and adapt to some aspects of change, while playing an active role in shaping other changes. If you have any concerns, questions or ideas, make sure you tell someone. This isn’t about resisting change; it’s about being part of the change-making process.

Don’t live in the past

There is no point wishing things could go back to the way they were. This will only make you unhappy and unproductive. The future may be unclear, but it is also full of potential. Be prepared for the worst that could happen, but strive for the best.

Edited by M. J. Premaratne

 
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