Life is unpredictable, except for one thing: it’s constantly changing. While some may be more resilient and can adapt to life changes without any issues, many feel like the rug has been pulled under their feet when major changes happen. You could be planning one thing, but life decides that’s not how things will go.
It’s not toxic positivity that will get you through a major life change. It’s you taking the time to process what is happening and realizing you shouldn’t worry about things you can’t change. This is not to be confused with not caring at all. When you take a deep breath and slow down, you’re telling your anxious mind that everything is okay and that you should not be in flight or fight mode. Once you feel more calm, you can be more objective about your decisions and start assessing the situation with a clearer perspective.
The worry you feel about uncertainties in the future will only make it hard to make your decisions today. Tell yourself to take it one day at a time, and today, that means worrying only about today. There’s no way to predict your future, but when you’re feeling anxious, you think of all the scenarios that might happen, no matter how improbable. When you feel your anxiety levels rising, do things that comfort you. Whether it’s buying sheet masks online, applying under-eye bags, or simply putting a cold towel on your face, if you can be more calm after it, do it.
Life changes may show you forks in the road, and you will have to choose one or the other. The choice might not be easy because it’s too sudden, or because you want both paths equally. Or, at least, that’s how it seems at first glance. Take the time to list the pros and cons and see which one is the more practical choice. Of course, you can also make your decision regardless of the results of the list if one makes you happier than the other. Still, making the list helps you focus on something that you can control, and it will help you calm down in the end.
When you can’t zip up a fancy dress, you don’t leave the house unzipped. When your car stops working in the middle of the road, you don’t just sit there waiting until it magically fixes itself. Calling for help can be as simple as telling your sister you need advice or going to a professional to step in. Even if you don’t feel like you might not need help now, keep the numbers of contractors, doctors, and emergency institutions so that you can easily reach them when the need arises. Your future self will thank you for that.
The changes in your life will never stop happening. But you can change the way you look at them and be more resilient next time.
