Coping with Change

It is very common for situations in our life to change. Yet we often resist change, or long for the way things used to be. Biologically, we feel safe when things are familiar and consistent, and actions produce the same result time and time again. Our brains crave stability and certainty.

So what happens when we are faced with change? If the changes are out of our control we can feel anxious, uncertain, worried, stressed. Even if we are instigating the changes and are excited by the new possibilities these emotions can creep in. This is our brains way of keeping us in check and making sure we aren’t going to do something that could harm us in the long term. From an evolutionary perspective, this is a wonderful mechanism that ensured our species survival. But creating fear when we are moving house, changing jobs or taking up an opportunity? Not always the best response in this current day and age.

So how can we manage change? Here are a few ways to help you control and cope with change, and maybe this will help you take that leap!
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1. Figure out what you can control.
Sometimes we instigate change with our decisions, and other times the decisions are made for us. Either way, there is still lots we can control about our own lives and situations. Understanding your role and how much you can change can help you put things in perspective. Worry about change often comes from a lack of control, so figure out what is in you influence and let the rest go.
2. Figure out how much will actually be changing
Are you moving across the country? Having activities cancelled because of COVID? No matter what the change, remember that you will still be the same person, whatever situation you are placed in. You still have the ability to make decisions and control the environment.
3. What’s the worst that could happen?
A lot of the time, our brains will catastrophise and get carried away with imagining the worst case scenarios. We can get carried away thinking about the negatives and forget the potential positives. Naming and realising the worst that can happen, can actually be a great way to get anxiety under control. Naming fears and realising how unlikely they could be can be very freeing.
4. Assess your priorities
Sometimes changes can take us in a direction we don’t necessarily want to go. By reassessing our priorities, we can check in and see if the current changes are still taking us towards our future goals. Or if we need to alter the course to get closer to the end goal.
5. Be in the present
Like assessing the worst that could happen, keeping yourself in the present and being mindful can help to alleviate the worry and stress that comes with change. By reducing the what if’s, we can feel more secure in our decisions and not be so concerned with worst case scenarios.
6. Accept and reframe
If the unwanted change is beyond your control, try taking a reflective approach. Accepting that there are things beyond your control, and choosing to be comfortable with that fact, is likely to bring greater peace of mind than waging an unwinnable war. View change as an opportunity to learn and grow, rather than as a setback, even if you have to fake it till you make it.
7. Manage your stress
You can hack your brain to reduce your stress. Using your posture corrector, practicing mindfulness and getting adjusted can all help your body to manage stress and your flight or flight response. For more information, talk to one of our chiropractors, or read our Sympathetic September blog- Sept 2019.
8. Celebrate the positives
What is the best thing to come out of this change? Does this outweigh any negatives that could happen? Celebrating any silver linings can help you to reframe and enjoy the experience.
9. Take action
Now that you know what is in your control, and what you want to achieve from these changes, you can be proactive and influence your situation. Effect the changes to suit you and don’t let yourself be dictated to. Making small decisions within the bigger changes can greatly improve your mindset and situation.

So no matter the changes or the situation you find yourself in, you can find control and reframe. Don’t forget that you can always talk through any changes with a trusted friend, and they may be able to help you find another perspective you’re missing.
Change can be scary and exciting, so make the most of your opportunities by controlling what you can change.