How to Manage Life Changes

Life changes involve two processes: letting go of the old and accepting the new. This can be difficult when the change is drastic. Perhaps your last child has finally gone off to college. Maybe you realize that your mother no longer functions as she used to and will need more of your help in the coming years. Follow these steps to help manage during rough times.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Accept the necessity of life changes. See the good in them. Though you must mourn losing what's familiar, the growth that comes with change can help you manage the difficulties.

2. Reach out to your family members for support. They're either dealing with these changes themselves or have been there. Friends can also offer their wisdom. Also look to your community for support groups that can help you.

3. Communicate openly with the people involved in your life changes. Keeping your confusion, grief, frustration and anger bottled up will only make things harder for everyone.

4. Make an effort to nurture yourself. Take time out for exercise and pleasurable activities like crafts, gardening and sports. Eat a balanced diet to strengthen your body during times of transition.

5. Practice relaxation techniques regularly. Activities such as meditation, yoga and visualization provide relief in the present and train your body to go into low-stress mode when facing future challenges.

6. Keep a journal and make time to write in it at least three times a week. Forget about being a wordsmith or making grammatical mistakes. Complain as much as you like and say all the nasty things you wouldn't want to say to anyone.

7. Nurture your creativity. Self-expression is a powerful tool in managing life changes. By allowing yourself to write, draw or paint, play music, act or make things with your hands, you create some stability during unstable times.

Tips & Warnings

• A positive attitude is a powerful strategy in managing life changes.

Resources

• Learning Meditiation Website