There are only a few constants in life – and for many people, the passing of time is a stress factor. How you learn to deal with her better.
Our lives are characterized by constant change. Of course: Some friends stay for life, but they too continue to develop, just like we do. New experiences cause attitudes to change or us to become wiser learn morethat we acquire. A new job, a new apartment, new work colleagues, family members getting married…the list of changes in our lives is endless. Sometimes these can occur in such a short space of time that they can overwhelm us. Because even on a single day we have to be able to adapt to new circumstances several times.
Nothing stays the same: What calm people do differently
Becoming aware that life, like water, is in constant motion, making its way here and there and always surprising us, can trigger stress. That’s why we should Accept and appreciate change. These four tactics can help you.
1. Find friends we never want to let go
“Going through thick and thin with good friends” is not just a saying. It means that with a trustworthy person we can cope with any unexpected change. Being able to exchange ideas about positive or negative situations helps us process things. Therefore, we need friends who we trust and who treat us with respect and appreciation. The both good listeners and advisors can be if we ask them for their opinion.
2. Recognize why a change bothers us
Listen to yourself: Why do you have problems adapting to a certain situation? A certain fear is often the trigger for a disturbed relationship with changes. Why does it bother you that something doesn’t stay the same? Is it the fear of having to start over? Having to assert yourself in a new environment? Worried about no longer being as beautiful or lovable as you get older?
Become aware of your inner doubts and reflect, when you have experienced similar situations. For example, when have you ever started a new job, convinced your colleagues of yours or won over the circle of friends of a good friend? We have already managed most of the changes in a similar way in the past. If there are external things that are bothering you, talk to your loved ones about them. This can be a family member, a partner or your best friend. They are your support and give you the space to address concerns and get them out of the way.
3. Perceive stress as a sign that something needs to change
You feel overworked, unbalanced or in some other way dissatisfied and stressed? This is a very clear one Sign that change can only enrich your life. Maybe you need a reorientation, a better work structure or a sporting, social or cultural balance that relieves you of your stress or at least alleviates it. Find the reason for your restlessness and exchange the stress for relaxation – or another positive change in your life.
4. Write down positive change
We often remember change in a rather negative way. Because our brain is programmed to remember bad moments better than the good ones. We should work on that. An example would be: “I am smarter and more experienced now than I was a few years ago.” You can also write about how you’ve found a new favorite person in the past year that you’re grateful for – whether on a friendship or romantic level. The more often we visualize the small and large positive changes, the more likely we are to internalize this mindset.
Maybe you’re just grateful that the weather turned from rain to sunshine in the morning. Or if the other way around: that when the weather turns worse, you have a wonderful reason to have a nice evening in your apartment and not go out. Of course, it’s not about just wanting to see everything positively. There are negative changes in life that are often unpredictable and we should also allow the emotions associated with them. In addition to the difficult things, there is also good and that is an important insight that can help us in stressful phases. Learning to accept change can support us mentally and reduce stress.
Sources used: Geo, PsychCentral, WebMD