This is third and final part of a three part blog post series on managing the impact of a change event can have on your life.
In post number two you developed some possible solutions to manage change, however it is not uncommon to still feel a little resistant. As you will see from the last two strategies, it is quite natural to feel resistance.
Strategy Four – Move past resistance
Change is hard, there’s no arguing with that. That is why many people are resistant to change – the new and unfamiliar. This is a common reaction everyone will experience. It is the fear of losing something you have always known. The fear of stepping into new territory and learning all over again.
To move forward into the new you need to release yourself from the old. Don’t resist the natural and spontaneous changes life presents to you. Let reality be what it will be and allow change to flow naturally. In whatever direction or way or form it comes.
Adapting to change and moving through your resistance requires you to expand and breathe into the change. Keep an open mind and believe in your ability to adapt to the new.
Five coping techniques to help you overcome change resistance:
Allow yourself time to grieve
Letting go of the old is not easy so allow yourself time to let go and share the loss attached to the change event. Grief is about responding to the shifts that have happened in your life. Not just about what you are moving away from, but also what you may have been expecting to happen. Grief is an important part about responding to change.
Mindful deep breathing
When you resist change it creates a stress response; your body tenses and your breathing quickens. Switch off your stress response and return to. Your natural calm state with a succession of 10 deep breaths to keep you grounded.
Find the positive
Change is constant, it is never permanent. Change will come and go, presenting you with new opportunities. When you respond to change, look for the positive benefits or learnings each change is offering you.
Be a creative problem solver
Two brains are better than one. Enlist the support and advice of trusted friends, family or your medical practitioner and discuss solutions outside of your own thoughts.
Know your capabilities
During a change event there is so much going on that you might forget how strong and resilient you actually are. Remind yourself of the past challenges you have overcome in life. Celebrate that you have the strength, courage and resources to get through your current challenge, too.
Strategy Five – Self care: Taking care of you
Finally, you need to take care of you. Change is much more harder when you are tired and exhausted.
Set aside time to take care of you. Allow yourself a break to rest both your mind and body. Get some sleep, do something you enjoy and what energises you to feel inspired and happy. When you are well rested and relaxed, you are able to cope with change better and your brain can think more creatively.
Stay connected with friends, family and other support networks so you do not become isolated. Studies show that loneliness increases the risk and likelihood of mental and physical illness. Share what you are feeling and be honest with your trusted network about what inspires you to move forward in your life.
If you are experiencing any signs of depression, anxiety or suicide as a result of sudden changes in your life, it is important to seek help immediately from your doctor, psychologist or alternatively you can contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.