Processing change is hard, but there are ways to make it easier

WE’VE ALL EXPERIENCED BIG CHANGES THIS PAST YEAR. HERE ARE 7 TIPS TO HELP YOU NAVIGATE THROUGH IT ALL.

By Kristina Benoist

Change is a guaranteed part of life. It’s something everyone experiences at one point or another — good or bad. Sometimes that change happens in big ways when we aren’t expecting it or aren’t prepared for it, and that can make navigating your path forward really difficult. There are things we can do in our lives to make processing changes a little easier.

Focus on what you can control

One of the hardest things about big change is how helpless it can often make you feel. At some point, you'll probably have to accept the change that you’re experiencing and then focus on what you can control within that. For example, you can control how you react to situations, how you start each day, or how nice you are to yourself. It’s good to know that there are still things that you have control over, even when other things are changing.

Write out your feelings on paper

When you’re processing big changes, your brain may feel like it’s constantly racing. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed with all of the things to feel, think, and consider in a huge life change. Instead of holding it all in your mind, you have to release it, and writing it down is one of the best ways to do that. Start a journal, jot down a quick list of your thoughts, write a letter to yourself. Just get it all out onto paper.

Keep up your self-care where you can

When so much of your life feels new and different, It’s important to keep up your normal habits as much as possible, especially when it comes to protecting your mental health. The changes you’re facing may mean a totally different routine, but incorporating the small, familiar self-care habits that you know work for you — even if it’s just focusing on that one activity for 15 minutes a day — can give you the mental clarity to process the big changes.

Find support

With any change that you’re facing right now, there’s a good chance that someone else has felt the exact same way that you’re feeling too. Depending on what you’re struggling with, you may be able to talk to friends or family about it, or find an online support group, or see a mental health professional. Whoever it ends up being that you open up to, there is support that can help you through any transition you’re working through.

Tune into the good

No matter what kind of change has come into your life, there is most likely some grief that coincides with processing it. Let yourself grieve, but also try not to get stuck spiraling into the fear, anguish, and negativity that those changes may bring. Instead, try and train your brain to think of the positives in your life, like practicing gratitude and focusing on the small things that bring you joy.

Make plans

It’s okay if you aren’t an incredibly organized person, or you don’t like planning everything in your life out. But when you’re processing big changes, it can be helpful to focus on the logistics. You don’t have to stick to your plan perfectly, just starting small with what your day or week is going to look like can help get rid of that uncertainty that comes with change.

Think of your strength

Big changes tend to challenge and test you, but it’s likely that you’ll grow from all of the things that you’re facing. As you’re processing, remind yourself as often as possible that you are strong and capable and can make it through whatever challenges you’re facing. Maybe even say it out loud to yourself to really let it sink in. You’re building resilience every single day.