How To Sustain Your Mental Health During Tough Transitions
Transitional phases are a part of life, but dealing with that change is hard. Whether you’ve just graduated college, you’re moving to a new city, starting a new job, making new friends or you’re just trying out a new grocery store — embracing what’s new is always easier said than done. And if we’re not conscious about our wellbeing during these big changes, they can have a huge impact on our mental wellness. Use these tips to keep you and your mental health one step ahead.
Keep Track of the Constants.
One thing to remember when a big change is pending is that no matter what happens, there are always a few constants in your life. Maybe you remember that you’ve still got people that love you. Whether that’s your friends, your mom, your dog — remember that their opinion of you won’t change, even if everything else in your life seems to. Or maybe it’s that although your day-to-day is drastically different now, your morning routine is still the same. You still wake up in the morning, make a cup of coffee, and scroll through your newsfeed. Finding the things that won't change is a great way to stay grounded while everything else shifts.
Run into it Head First.
Although it’s daunting, thinking positively about change can be extremely empowering. If you only embrace the negatives of a new chapter, it can start you on a downward spiral that you will struggle to claw your way out of. Change is always strange, but if you trick yourself into being excited about it by keeping your eyes on the silver lining, you’re setting yourself up for success. Don’t let change control you, take control of it and march into it headfirst. You’re the boss. Own it.
Remember that Nothing is Permanent.
Even if all of your worst fears regarding change are realized, nothing lasts forever, right? In the same way this change came about, things will change again, you just have to give yourself the autonomy to make that happen. Your present or near future might be daunting, but it’s temporary because that’s the nature of any situation. You won’t find yourself in this place forever. Hustle for a little bit, and wallow in the sucky-ness of it all if that makes you feel better, but know that you aren’t stuck there and make efforts to set yourself free.
Take Time for Yourself.
Amongst the chaos, while you’re trying to adapt to all the newness, take a few moments to recognize yourself. You’re doing an amazing job — commend yourself. You made it through the day. When things are getting a bit too much, take a second, breathe and reaffirm yourself.
Treat yourself every now and then, because you deserve to feel good in light of everything. Get introspective, evaluate your own needs, and stay one step ahead of the anxiety if you can. You might not have control over your current situation but you do have control over these few minutes to yourself. Stealing small moments away can make you feel totally renewed. Listen to a podcast, meditate, read a book, breathe. Take care of you a little extra, making sure your self-care doesn’t fall to the wayside.
Although change is always hard to adjust to, there are ways to cope. Focus on your needs, take time for yourself, keep these tips in mind and you’re sure to have an easier ride next time a big change presents itself.
Eleanor Fishbourne is the Business Development Coordinator of Greenleaf Book Group, Urban Wellness Mag’s partner in a new health and wellness publishing imprint, Well Spirit Press.
Eleanor is originally from the UK and with a BA in English, is passionate about all things literature and writing. In her spare time, when she's not buried in a new book, she's likely travelling to new places and exploring the world with her family and friends. Connect with her online @GreenleafBookGr and @wellspiritpress.