It’s time to change something: how to make life changes not so frightening
Moving, new work or promotion – what emotions cause upcoming changes? Pleasant excitement or strong fear? It largely depends on the approach. We offer several useful tips that will help to successfully overcome the transition period.
For many, the upcoming changes cause concern and anxiety. The methodology for determining stress resistance, developed by psychiatrists Thomas Holmes and Richard Rage, indicates that even small changes in the usual lifestyle can affect the state of health.
But at the same time, avoiding the necessary changes, we can miss opportunities for growth, development, gaining new impressions and experience. Use these tips to cope with experiences.
1. Honestly tell yourself how comfortable changes are for you
Some feel great in conditions of uncertainty, others do not like changes. It is important to understand how tolerant changes are tolerant for you. Ask yourself: you usually expect them with impatience or horror? How long you have to adapt to new situations? Realizing your needs, you can take care of yourself during this period.
2. Formulate what worries you, what you are afraid
Give yourself time to deal with experiences about upcoming changes. Perhaps you are partly happy with them, and partly fear. Having decided on emotions, you will understand how ready for them.
Ask yourself: what reaction does thoughts cause you about changing the usual way of life? Does the internal conflict arise? You feel that
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you are already ready, or must first deal with what you are afraid of?
3. Analyze the facts
Analysis of facts is the main method of cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy. It is often that some of the fears are caused by cognitive distortions (erroneous thinking templates). Of course, they should also not be ignored and you should deal with them, it is equally important to analyze which of the fears are justified and which is not.
For example, you are no longer young and are afraid to go to the university, you are afraid that you can’t cope at the same time as work and study. After analyzing the facts, you recall how you liked to study when you received the first education. You already have experience in the chosen field of activity, and it can give an important advantage. In general, you are a disciplined person, are not prone to procrastination and do not tear off the intended deadlines. All facts say that you will probably cope, despite the fears.
4. Start the changes gradually, small steps
When you realize that you are ready to change your life, make a phased action plan. Some changes can be implemented immediately (for example, starting to meditate for 10 minutes every day, make an appointment with a psychotherapist). More serious (moving, traveling to which you have been accumulating for a long time, divorce) will require planning. In many cases, you will first have to cope with fears and other unpleasant emotions.
Ask yourself if you need a detailed plan to implement changes. Is it necessary to emotionally prepare for changes? What will be the first step?
Purposefulness, a good understanding of oneself, sympathy for themselves and patience are important for those who dream of changing the established way of life. Yes, changes are inevitably related to stress, but you can cope with it. Do not be afraid of changes that open many new opportunities!