Major Life Changes Do Not Have to Be Stressful — Here’s How
Created By Scott Sanders
Dealing with a major life change can take a toll on your physical and mental health. Whether you're starting a new job, going through a divorce, or moving to a new city, it's normal to feel overwhelmed. But there are ways to make the transition smoother. By developing relaxation techniques, setting achievable goals, and being mindful of your media consumption, you can create a game plan for handling whatever life throws at you. Here, Sense of Balance details a few.
Try Relaxation Techniques
One of the best ways to cope with stressful events is to develop relaxation techniques. This could include things like meditation, journaling, or deep breathing exercises. NHS Inform notes that taking even just 10 minutes out of your day to focus on your breath can help center you and ease anxiety. If you're not sure where to start, there are plenty of resources available online or at your local library.
Find Healthy Coping Techniques
Whether you're dealing with job stress or are going through a difficult period at home, negative coping mechanisms like drinking or smoking can make things even more difficult. Instead of turning to unhealthy habits, rely on positive coping techniques like spending time with friends or family members, listening to music, or watching funny movies. These activities will help take your mind off of whatever is stressing you out and allow you to relax.
Find a Release
It can also be helpful to find active ways to let off steam. This could be through hobbies like gardening, drawing, or cooking. Or, if you're feeling particularly stressed, you might consider going for a run or taking a yoga class. Exercise is a great way to release endorphins and improve your mood. Gardening is another great option because it combines physical activity with a mindful practice that benefits your mental health, and it comes with benefits like fresh air and sunlight.
Be Mindful of Media
In a 24/7 news cycle world, it's easy to become consumed by the latest headlines, especially if they're negative. If you're already feeling overwhelmed by major life changes, limit your media consumption. Turn off the TV and put down your phone for a while. Psychology Today points out that you'll be surprised how much better you feel when you take a break from the constant stream of bad news.
Set Realistic Career Goals
Sometimes, managing a major life change requires some strategic planning on your part. If you're ready to make a career change, sit down with your boss and have a talk about what you're looking for. If your current position isn't going to work out, set a few measurable goals that will allow you to figure out your next moves while you continue to work. You might start by using a free online resume builder, which will provide a template you can use to create a professional and eye-catching document to wow your next employer.
Depending on your field, you might also want to prepare a PDF portfolio of your past work (especially if you’re an artist), which you can use as a demonstration of your skills. Fortunately, creating a PDF is made easy with an online PDF maker tool (click here to learn more). Once created, it’s as easy as downloading and viewing on virtually any device, as it’s available across multiple computer platforms (tablets and smartphones included).
Treat Yourself
When you're going through big changes in your life, it's more important than ever to take care of yourself both physically and mentally. Consider buying yourself some new clothes as a pick-me-up, which can help boost your self-confidence. Look for a comfortable but stylish jacket, a skirt that can go from day to evening, and a few soft and flirty nightgowns that will help you feel beautiful even when you're preparing for bedtime.
Dealing with a major life change can be a time-consuming and stressful process, but by creating a game plan for handling it, you'll give yourself peace of mind. Treat yourself to some new clothing, reassess your career, and focus on your mental health by taking up a hobby that boosts your wellness, such as gardening. With the right moves, you can prepare for change and keep it from stressing you out.
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