Ever since COVID, we’ve known that our world can be turned upside down in a matter of days. Suddenly, schools were canceled, all major events were delayed, and we were quarantined. We had to cope with a new world. Personally, I turned to writing letters to good friends, grounding myself in social support when I couldn’t actually be with my social support. Others turned to the slow rhythm of baking, finding comfort in precise instructions and soft dough. Others turned to daily, sometimes hourly walks, finding any excuse to spend time in the sun. No matter the coping strategy you chose during COVID, it was a season of immense change. And now the world is finally stable and easy and predictable…

Of course not! Change is constant! Maybe you’re experiencing a career shift, a breakup, moving across the country, changes in friendship dynamics: to be human is to experience change. And change can be scary and disorienting and beautiful and needed and daunting. Whatever change you may be currently experiencing, my hope is to provide a few different ways to cope and thrive within change.

Mindful Transitions

Practicing mindfulness during times of transition can help you maintain stability and reduce anxiety. Maybe you notice yourself feeling overwhelmed, or your mind is racing, or your entire body feels tense. In that moment, instead of pushing onward and ignoring your body or feeling shame, try cultivating compassion for yourself. Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would give to a beloved friend.

Mindfulness can also be helpful in times of transition in order to remain present. It’s tempting to dwell in nostalgia for the past or obsess over all the uncertainties in the future. Experiencing nostalgia and planning ahead can be healthy and productive, but we don’t want to live there. We want to live in the present moment. You can ground yourself with this simple mantra, “Where am I? Here. What am I doing? This. What time is it? Now.”

Creating Routine

Establishing rhythm and routine in the midst of change can reduce stress, support general well-being, and even enhance productivity. Flexible routines still leave room for adaptability, whereas strict, detailed routines may be restrictive or unsustainable. When creating a routine, it can be helpful to identify essential tasks or activities and schedule them at specific times. You can also build a daily framework, intentionally making a morning and evening routine, with time blocks of work or study. After establishing a routine and settling into it, don’t be afraid to review it and adjust accordingly. With an adaptable routine that works for you you’ll be able to more effectively navigate the inevitably of change.

Embracing Change and Adventure

During unexpected change, it can be easy to focus on the negative. If you’re feeling down about a change in your life, ask yourself if there’s room in the uncertainty for growth or development or even adventure. Reflect on your core values and align your actions/thoughts with your values. For example, perhaps you have to move states and one of your core values is a sense of belonging. Instead of only dwelling on the loss of belonging in a move to a new city, focus also on ways you can cultivate belonging in your new place. Change can also broaden perspective, expanding your worldview and perhaps expanding your capacity for empathy.

Perhaps you’re experiencing some really big changes or frequent changes and you’re having trouble grounding yourself. Therapy can provide support, guidance, and a safe place to process. If this resonates with you, please reach out and we can work together towards embracing change and finding stability.