Major life changes can affect your mental wellness.


It’s been said that the only thing constant in life is change. People change, circumstances change, things change. Change can be small, big, subtle or sudden. Sometimes it’s a breeze, other times it’s a painful process.

Change may be a choice we make, or it may be imposed on us. A new job, getting married, starting a family, moving house — these are examples of life changes we may experience. Some people view change as a positive challenge; others fret and agonize over the consequences of new situations. Few of us deal with change without feeling unruffled, so here are some tips on dealing with change more effectively.

Related: The Art of Change

Adjusting To Change Takes Time

Adjusting to change takes time, don’t rush the process.

Change involves a transition from one set of circumstances to another. Give yourself time to adjust and settle down.

Dealing With Change

Seek support and practice stress management tips when dealing with major life changes.

Emotions will be stirred up when you feel overwhelmed. Let yourself laugh, cry or feel moody about it. Change often involves a degree of loss, so it’s OK to grieve a little and feel nostalgic.

Change is Inevitable, Don’t Take It Personally

Change is inevitable, coping with life changes and transitions will get you through it.

Change happens. That’s life. It’s got nothing to do with you. Don’t obsess over who’s to blame or why it happened.

Embrace Change by Going with the Flow

Avoid resistance to change, look forward to what change brings.

Don’t resist or be too rigid. Be flexible, ride out the storm, and see how things turn out.

Seek Support, Don’t Go at It Alone

A strong network of friends and family is key when coping with stress.

Talk to your friends and family. Share your problems with people you trust. Others may offer a different angle to the situation, which might help you make better decisions.

Related: Building a Supportive Network of Family and Friends

Focus on the Positive Aspects of Change

Embrace change, focus on the positive.

If you keep looking at the bad side of things, you might miss the good. The glass is also half full, remember?

Break Up a Problem When You Feel Overwhelmed

When you feel overwhelmed by a problem, break it down.

A large problem will seem less insurmountable when divided into little ones. Work on them one at a time, and give yourself a pat on the back each time you overcome one.

Making Better Decisions

Dealing with change can be difficult, but keeping a positive outlook will make it easier.

With new experiences, we grow wiser and stronger. Wisdom helps us make better decisions in future.

Have Balance, Spend Time with Friends and Family

Spending more time with your friends and family is good for your mental wellbeing.

It’s important to have a personal life to fall back on to help you through tough times. Take time to be with your friends and family when you feel overwhelmed.

The New Circumstances Will Eventually Become Familiar

Change is inevitable, you will always encounter new circumstances in your life.

No matter how big or difficult, change comes to an end when the new circumstances are in place and become familiar. Normality will return. Keep this in mind.

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