How to deal with big changes in your life

It’s not always simple to deal with major changes in your life. Sometimes we don’t even realize that we’re having a lot of stress until our body is telling us that something is wrong. Often, we can help relieve our body and mind from these challenges by changing our thoughts and expectations about the changes occurring. The following tips more helpful for when you need to deal with big changes in your life, like moving to a new apartment.

1. Evaluate Your Level of Control

You need to take action if you don’t feel in control. Sure, it might be scary or uncertain at first. But what’s the alternative? Just waiting and hoping for something to happen? That really takes no action on your part! I understand that change is hard but it’s not as scary as you think. If you don’t feel in control of your life, examine why you don’t — and then take steps to regain that control.

2. Don’t Fight

This one is simple. Things are not going to be how they were before. As difficult as it is to accept this, you have to let go of what was, so that you can open yourself to new possibilities.

3. Lean on Your Support System

Family and friends are always important, but their support is even more indispensable when you are going through a big life change. It’s also comforting to have some continuity while everything around you might be changing. As I mentioned before, fighting with those close to you is not going to help. These are people that love you and want to help you.

4. Check Your Thought Patterns

In times of change, it’s easy for your mind to cut corners. You might see everything in black or white, or you assume the worst will occur. But if you take the time to examine your thought patterns and assess how rational they are, you might find some space to nudge your thinking towards resilience. If you’re not sure how to slow down your mind, practicing relaxation techniques, such as mindfulness or deep breathing, can help you feel more in control of your brain and how you evaluate a major change.

5. Get Enough Sleep

Sleep deprivation is one of the most common afflictions of modern life. For many people, a few hours of sleep per night are considered normal. This represents a serious threat to productivity and happiness. Sleep deprivation raises anxiety and makes us feel like we didn't accomplish anything during the day. It also hampers our ability to think clearly and creatively, two skills we rely on at work and in life.

6. Minimize Alcohol Consumption

You need time to adjust to a new lifestyle. We are often overwhelmed by the idea of moving, getting a car, or getting a new job. The mindset shifts can be just as overwhelming. Alcohol isn't the answer to everything but it can be an important part of a change. When faced with a big change in lifestyle or obligations it is helpful to have something that gives you a small amount of stability – an afternoon drink or two. It helps you focus on the good things in life and gives you time to figure out how best you can handle them without alcohol.

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