Sometimes it feels like everything is changing! Today, many of us feel like we are being met with both major and minor life changes at an increasing frequency. Of course, the fact that people deal with these adjustments on a regular basis doesn't always mean that they are prepared to handle them. Some people feel like they haven't been able to adjust to one life change before the next is thrust upon them! Even those of us who are most equipped to handle whatever life brings can feel out of control and overwhelmed in the face of change. These feelings can easily lead to feelings of stress and negativity that harm our ability to work through our new situation.
One of the many reasons that change is viewed as a stressor is that many people see change as a negative occurrence. Even a small adjustment to a person's daily routine can seem like a threat to their stability and security. Changes, even truly negative changes, are only as bad as you perceive them to be. A person will cope with change best when they take time to examine their situation and recognize that things could be worse. In fact, many of the changes that may seem negative when they occur actually have positive effects on our life. Have you ever lost your job? If so, you know that this is a truly stressful time filled with financial worries and job searches. However, losing one job gives you the opportunity to find another! The next one could always suit you better, offer more flexible hours or better pay, or simply make you happier. The same is true with relationship changes, location changes, and many other situations that people face on a regular basis.
Of course, knowing that even negative changes can have positive outcomes is not enough to alleviate all change-related stress. Here are a few ideas to keep in mind when you are faced with a large change:
o Change is inevitable. Even if we try to keep our life completely stagnant, we cannot control the outside forces that impact us. Recognizing that change will occur can help us prepare for the event.
o It is almost impossible to know the outcome of change. Some changes will be for the better, while others will be for the worse. Even those changes that you expect to have a truly negative impact on your life may bring you a positive experience. In fact, changes offer you an opportunity to take charge, be creative, and work towards the best outcome possible!
o Stress is a natural side effect of change. Stress lets you know that you are invested in your life, and is your body's way of letting you know that it is time to respond to your surroundings. The stress will subside as soon as you have begun to act and adjust to the changes you are experiencing.
Often, the stress that we feel is worse than the situation that we face during times of adjustment and change. Handling the way that you feel is usually the first step in adjusting to your new situation, new responsibilities, or new status. One of the best things that you can do for yourself, and for the people around you, is the build a support network. Everyone should have a number of friends and peers that they can rely on during times of change and stress. Your friends are often able to help you gain perspective on your situation, and may even be able to help you work through some of the struggles associated with change. A good support network will help you find the positive aspect of any situation, and help you to give your new circumstances a fair shot. Of course, some people may need more than the advice of a trusted friend or family member. If you are having a truly difficult time adjusting to a new life circumstance, or feel that you have a history of difficulty adjusting to change, you may want to seek professional guidance. A trained counselor can help you work through your current problems, target and work through any underlying issues, and gain the confidence to handle life's changes in the future.
Nancy Travers, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, specializes in all types of relationships; dating, existing relationships, family relationships, and relationships with friends and business relationships. She also helps her clients overcome anxiety and depression through talk therapy as well as through hypnosis. What sets her apart from many other counselors is that she has counseled in the gay/lesbian community for over 10 years. She also has experience counseling families with elder care issues. Nancy has been in practice for over 15 years and can provide you with the tools you need to approach dating and relationships with confidence. Visit her website at http://www.nancyscounselingcorner.com/.
No comments:
Post a Comment