It has been said a lot that change is the only constant.
It also appears that the more they change, the more they stay the same. Some of that may be our interpretation of change. Humans are creatures of habit, and we like consistency. Ever notice how you park in the same at work and the mall place, go to the same restaurants, and usually order the same things or at least the same types of food? We often have a routine of things that we do every month. These routines can feel comforting and safe and make us think change is complex or challenging. Exercise is one of the ways to create a sense of normalcy and comfort in the world, and we often talk about getting back to normal after we have experienced changes or big life transitions.
So, what is the difference between change and transition?
According to Merriam-Webster, change is a noun, transitive, and nontransitive verb. Without going back to English class too much, the meaning in all of these is the act of altering or making a difference through change. Transition is also a noun and a transitive and nontransitive verb. Transition is a change or shift from one state or place to another, the period that such a shift or change is happening, or the linking or connecting phase between the changes. So, in short, change is the event, and the transition is the time or phase that happens during the change. Transitions are the bridge that allows us to make the change.
So we can often see the transitions we know about school, marriage, having children changing jobs or employment, or moving to another city, state, or country. These are generally transitions we know about or feel we have some control over; however, what about the transitions and changes we do not expect? Car accidents, being fired, business closing, natural disasters (always happening elsewhere), a fire, or workplace or school violence. All of these things, and there are others, are acts that we cannot predict or have a lot of warning about. Most of these are things we think will happen to someone else, not us. So, do we manage these transitions differently than we do others?
Here are five tips for managing the change and the transition.
Acknowledge change
We may often get caught up in worrying about the changes or transitions we do not deal with. Acknowledging that change is okay and that you can manage the change is more helpful. Change is something that we do not know how it will turn out, and the unknown is the scary part. If you can become more comfortable with ambiguity and not knowing everything, this will make accepting change and transitions easier. Recognizing that you have managed many changes and transitions in the past can also be helpful.
Remember, change is stressful, even if it is something we want.
It is important to remember that change, even the ones we are excited about, such as marriage, college, or getting a new job, is also inherently stressful. The stress of these events is daily and is often helpful in giving us the energy to complete tasks. Again, keeping a healthy internal dialogue or self-talk about this change is essential. Recognizing that your response to the change is in your control even if the change is not. So, if you are able, remember that what you think about the change will affect how you feel and respond to it. Keeping the internal monologue self-talk about things you can control will help to manage the transition easier.
Exercise
We all know that exercise is good for us medically; however, we may not remember how helpful it is to us mentally. Exercise gives the body a chance to use up that extra energy we get from stress, and it allows us to get a break from thinking sometimes because we are focused on playing a sport, walking, or lifting weights. Significant research also shows that going outside and enjoying the sunshine, even for a few minutes, can help with depression. For all of us who may say, “I do not feel like it, ” change that just to get started and see if the motivation or the desire to continue is not there once you move.
Ask for help or support
People are not islands, and we all need help sometimes. It is part of being a community, and recognizing it is okay to ask for help is essential. This may be having someone “to vent” with or asking to help with packing, moving, or other things. We often think we will impose on someone if we ask or they will not; however, this is usually untrue. Chances are people are glad to help and will often offer other suggestions to help as well.
Writing down thoughts about change
If we remember the scary part of change and transition is not knowing what will happen, then writing down some things that we are both excited about and afraid of can help us more accurately view our thoughts and fears. This can also help us realize that some of the concerns may not be as plausible as they may sound in our heads. We may also see some excellent things from the transition, making us more interested in pursuing the change. There is something to about writing down our thoughts that often changes how we feel about a specific thing or situation. Journaling regularly can be an excellent way to relieve stress and clear our heads about stressful and mundane life events.
These are just a few tips to help with life transitions and change.
Remember that life is always about transition and change; learning to manage transitions is necessary. Being kind to yourself when going through a transition is essential. You do not always have to be perfect. It is okay to get help or to feel overwhelmed if we do not stay there too long or too often. Learning to laugh at ourselves and laugh more generally will also make transitions easier. Being imperfect is impossible, and recognizing and embracing our imperfections is excellent. Laughing increases all kinds of helpful brain chemicals and makes you feel better.
Life transitions can be expected or unexpected; they will cause us to change in some way, and being able to embrace the change and transitions as a chance to grow and learn will make them less frightening. As we know how to manage life transitions, we will be able to see the changes as opportunities to grow and learn about ourselves, and they will become less scary. Life transitions allow us to overcome challenges and use them as stepping stones to even more accomplishment.
Begin Therapy for Life Transitions in Virginia
If you are going through a life transition and would like more specific skills and help navigating the transition, please schedule a free consultation. Therapy can help you grow and embrace the changes You can start your therapy journey with Gray Horse Counseling by following these simple steps:
- Contact me and schedule a free consultation.
- Check out my FAQs and read more about me
- Start coping with major changes!
Other Services Offered with Gray Horse Counseling
Life transitions therapy isn’t the only service I offer support in addressing. This is why I’m happy to offer I am available for in-person help in Powhatan and online in Virginia. Other services at Gray Horse Counseling include individual therapy, anxiety therapy, group therapy, equine sports, clinical supervision, trauma therapy, and depression treatment. Check out my FAQs, read about me, and contact me today to get the help you deserve!