Change is unavoidable in life. It can be a positive experience like the birth of a baby or getting the job you wanted. However, like most things, there can be a negative side to it. Regardless of being positive or negative, change can cause a lot of stress and may require an adjustment period before we start to feel more settled or in a ‘new normal’.

Learning to cope with change is an important tool as it helps us manage the stress of everyday life.  Just like change, ups and downs are inevitable in life.   Here are 5 tips you can use to help you cope with change. 

Tip 1: Preparation is Key  

Sometimes change comes on suddenly so you can’t plan ahead, and that’s okay. However, if you can, spend some time thinking about what’s coming up and what you can do now that will help you in the future. This will help you feel more in control of the situation. 

One way you can do this is to assess how much control you have over the situation and make a list of everything you can do. Cross off any tasks you have achieved and make sure to prioritise or delegate if you become overwhelmed. 

Tip 2: Don’t Run Away from Change 

When going through a stressful change we are all probably guilty of sometimes trying to ignore a problem until it goes away. Short term this does work as it can temporarily reduce stress, but studies have shown that in the long run it can lead to more stress and anxiety. Therefore, the earlier you work with the new changes in your life the better. 

Another response is to avoid and put off making changes that might benefit us. Often growth can be uncomfortable, but that does not mean it is bad or not right for us.  

Change allows us to grow and it’s important to celebrate that. So, write yourself a list of some of the positive things that have come out of this change.

Tip 3: Structure 

Holding onto a routine is important, especially when dealing with the unknowns of change. It can provide you with an anchor for situations where you might not feel in control. Studies have shown that maintaining a routine is helpful for those feeling stressed or anxious. 

Make sure you include regular activities that bring you joy and comfort so when life gets a bit overwhelming you can turn to them for a bit of an escape. 

Tip 4: Press Pause 

To help cope with change, managing stress levels is important. This will make it easier to adapt to a new situation and become more resilient when dealing with change in the future,

If you are overwhelmed by the current changes in your life, it’s okay to press pause for a couple of hours and give yourself a break. Try to develop healthy coping mechanisms like going for regular walks in nature, the gym, cooking yourself a nice meal, taking a warm bath or meditating.

Taking care of your body by eating healthy, exercising, and getting plenty of sleep can help reduce your stress levels and help you manage change. 

Tip 5: Support 

It can be difficult to ask others for help. However, asking for support from friends and family can make the world of difference when coping with the stress of change. Be specific on the type of support you need. You might just need someone to vent to and others to help with specific tasks. Don’t struggle alone if you are finding it hard to cope with change. 

Seeking professional help is another option you can try if you are struggling to cope with any changes. It can offer support, space to reflect and teach you coping skills to help adjust to any new changes you are going through.