By: Connie Uff, MA, CAADC, CCPG, LPC, EAP Psychotherapist
The world we live in is ever-changing. We may begin to feel as though we are constantly being challenged to readjust and adapt. It’s exhausting!
Change can bring about many emotions. It can lead to feelings of unrest and agitation. We may find ourselves digging in our heels and, with or without intention, becoming increasingly resistant. What is it about change that makes us so resistant? Even when we initiate a change or recognize a change is necessary, we hesitate. Sometimes changes are outside of our control, and we might deny, procrastinate, or consider all ways to avoid the inevitable before reluctantly giving in. Are we just inflexible humans with control issues who fear the unknown?
Regardless of the cause of our resistance, change is inevitable, and many things are in our control. Here are eight tips to help resolve hesitation and help you successfully navigate these changing times.
- Hydration – Drink plenty of water to reduce irritability caused by dehydration. Avoid drinking caffeinated beverages as caffeine is a diuretic and will dehydrate you. Avoid sugar-filled beverages which tend to give an instant rush of elevated mood and energy with a crash soon after.
- Nourishment –Choose to eat healthy foods and consider how food affects you. Turkey can make us tired, caffeine can give an energy boost, and pasta and sugar can comfort us in the moment, and spicy foods can cause embarrassment (who hasn’t had stinky gas after some spice?), but too much of them can be unhealthy, Start by making one healthy choice a day.
- Sleep –Who doesn’t feel great after a good sleep? We can create a healthy sleep environment by developing a routine. Turn off electronics (cell phone, TV, gaming systems, tablet, etc.) at least one hour before bed. Avoid caffeine at least three hours before sleep. Room temperature should be chilly enough to want to stay under a blanket. Be aware that daylight savings time can cause havoc on our routines and sleep patterns for the first week or so.
- Work-life balance – Develop boundaries surrounding work by taking breaks and plan time off to enjoy and rejuvenate. Our workplaces really will survive a day, two days, or a week without us.
- Activity – Getting outside, regardless of weather, can help to clear our mind and reduce fatigue. Take daily walks, join a yoga or Zumba class, take community classes, or engage in community volunteer activities.
- Thought – What is your mind telling you about change? Monitor your thoughts and shift them to align with your successful transition during change. What we say to ourselves can make all the difference in our ability to adapt and transition smoothly. If you catch yourself saying “I have to,” change it to “I choose to.” If you hear yourself say “I should,” try “I will.”
- Social media – Who doesn’t love a good dopamine boost from getting likes, followers, and watching funny videos? Sometimes social media doesn’t feel good or benefit us during changing times. Ask yourself “Is this helping or hurting?” and take a break as needed.
- People –Change can be challenging for many of our friends, family, coworkers, and even our fur-babies. Recognize that others may be struggling with their own process of change. Rather than escalate an argument, choose to respond rather than react by accepting arguments as a situation to understand and be understood. Being the calm in a disagreement helps everyone.