How to overcome stress during times of change and uncertainty
Most people have had to deal with change and uncertainty at some point in their lives. Whether it is changes to your financial situation, unexpected illness, education issues, or changes within the industries in which we make a living.
Everyone deals with change differently, some better than others. Change is a normal part of life, and it can lead to positive outcomes. Sometimes, though, the impact of the change in our lives can result in an amount of uncertainty, and this then leads to stress.
If you find yourself kept awake at night with worries and thoughts swirling around your head, then the impact of uncertainty and change may be affecting you more than you think.
Here are my tips on how you can overcome the stresses that come with times of change and uncertainty.
Take back control:
The issues most have with uncertainty stems from the lack of control of a situation. The best way to turn this around is to take back the control for yourself. Write a list of the things that are worrying you, and make a note next to the ones you can change. You can then write a list of realistic goals that you can impact and look forward to achieving.
Keep positive:
It is easy during times of change and uncertainty to blame others for your worries and see only the downside. Remaining positive is the best way to get through any change. Whether you are dealing with workplace changes or other changes in your life, keeping an open mind and remaining optimistic will adjust your mindset and allow you to deal with the shifts in a constructive way.
Write it down:
If the worries and thoughts keep coming, write them down. Research has shown that writing down your worries in a journal or on a list can help to get them out of your mind. It is a technique used by many to get the thoughts out. You don’t need to take any action other than writing them down.
Seek support from others:
In times of stress and worry, it is important to find those who can offer support, whether that is professional or personal. You don’t need to bear the weight of your stress on your own.
Take a break:
To assist with taking your mind off things for a while, take time out to do something you enjoy. Go for a walk or read a book, or even go away for a weekend mini-break.
Exercise regularly:
Regular exercise has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety. Many of these are symptoms of uncertainty and change. It can be as simple as going for a walk during your lunch break or joining a gym class or yoga class.
Practice mindfulness:
When life’s changes and worries get too much, our minds become overcrowded with these thoughts swirling continuously and cause us stress, anxiety, and could also lead to sleeping difficulties. Take back your mind by practicing mindfulness techniques to assist in centring your thoughts and changing your thought patterns to live in the present moment.
Times of change and uncertainty can be frightening and stressful, but it is important to recognise that you cannot control it all. Think about and change what can be changed, and learn to let go of the things you cannot and above all, keep positive.
Sarah K. Gill © 2016.