The Chemical and Psychological Dance of Change

I've been reflecting on the well-worn clichés I’ve heard thrown around to ease people thoughts around the change. We all know that “change is inevitable” and that in life “change is the only constant.” It provides us with a space to be “out with the old, in with the new,” so we can, “turn over a new leaf,” and we all know, “a rolling stone gathers no moss”!

But let's face it, it is not always a “breath of fresh air” and can be “like pulling teeth”! While I welcome change as a creative adventurer, it can sometimes be as exciting as lukewarm tea, especially when you’re hit with "change fatigue." I've challenged myself to ditch the clichés and reframe change as a brain-boosting adventure!

We've all been there; the big move, the new home, the life shakeup. Our brains go into overdrive with stress hormones, making us feel stuck and foggy. But let’s remember, that stress is a signal for us to take the chance to level up.

Yes, I know some changes come with immense devastation and levelling up feels insurmountable; but with the age-old notion of “giving it time,” you still level up, once you are through the darkest parts.

It is important to remember that stress is a highly personal experience, arising from how WE perceive events, not the events themselves. Read that again ??

The Chemical and Psychological Dance

Here's the juicy science bits: Our psychological responses to stress involve a complex interplay of thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. Which means change can also feel like being at a comedy show, but a bad one.

Change triggers a surge of many different chemicals. Dopamine, the "reward chemical", which injects us with the readiness to adapt. Fight-or-flight anyone? This response floods us with hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, heightening alertness but potentially leading to a state of confusion and fatigue. This can lead to anxiety, anger, or frustration. All normal reactions to the perceived threats. That's our brain's primal instinct, but we can outsmart it with a creative mindset.

Understanding the WHY behind the change and how it benefits YOU is key. Think of it as a treasure map for the mind. The more you know, the more empowered you become, increasing your motivation to find the gold, such as impressive new skills, increased strength, and new opportunities.

Change can be a playground for curiosity. Learning new things fires up those brain-derived neurotrophic factors (BDNF), making your brain more flexible and powerful. BDNF is essential for learning and memory, strengthening brain connections and allowing you to manage future changes with greater ease. So, embrace the unknown. Experiment, play around; it's mental calisthenics for your brain. Mind-map your anxieties or find a source of self-expression; anything to break free from the negativity spiral.

Embrace the Challenge, Not the Clichés

By going beyond the clichés, we can transform change from a disruption to an opportunity for growth and innovation. A brain-boosting adventure! A creative mindset empowers you with the belief that you can achieve anything you set your mind to.

It allows you to be curious, ask uncomfortable questions, and accept losses. It's not about innate talent, but about the willingness to put in the effort and learn from the process. We all have limitations, but within those boundaries, I passionately believe we can achieve anything, if we place the right scaffolding of support around us.

Ultimately, with successful adaptation comes acceptance and the chance to find our power in making change work for us, instead of letting it control us. Understanding this interplay between brain chemistry and psychological responses can equip us to manage the “emotional rollercoaster” (I just can’t help myself) of change more effectively. By acknowledging the chemical reactions and actively cultivating a curious mindset, we can navigate change with greater control.

So, forget the clichés, embrace the challenge! Having a creative mindset empowers you with the choice to achieve anything you set your mind to. It's not just about magic, but about the power of learning and growing through experiences. We all have limits, but within those limits, the possibilities are endless.

The next time life “throws a curveball” (sorry, last one!), remember it's a biochemical dance party in your brain. With the right moves, you can emerge stronger, more adaptable, and ready to conquer anything!

Bonus! Click here to access your 4 steps on how to rock your brain-boosting adventure. A simple toolkit to help you manage the stress of change. Summary found below the image.

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Step 1: Investigate the why and how - embrace a creative mindset and become a change detective!

Before you react, investigate! Understand the reasons behind the change and how it affects you.

Step 2: Tame the overactive alarm - unleash your stress-busting superpowers!

Change can trigger that primal fight-or-flight response. Challenge those anxious thoughts!

Step 3: Curiosity is queen - flex those mental muscles and ignite your inner explorer!

Just like exercise keeps your body fit, new experiences keep your brain sharp. Engage in activities that stimulate learning.

Step 4: Build your support squad - you don't have to go it alone.

Change can be tough. Lean on your support network. Don't be afraid to seek help from friends, family, colleagues, mentors, or a coach. In the toolkit you will find a few suggested websites that can help you build your tribe.

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Now go forth and conquer change like the brain-powered rockstar you are!

Add me to your support squad:

If you need someone to add to your support squad, drop me a line, and we can build your brain-boosting adventure map!

FURTHER READING

Lupien, S., Maheu, F., Tu, M., Fiocco, A., & Schramek, T. (2007). The effects of stress and stress hormones on human cognition: Implications for the field of brain and cognition. Brain and Cognition, 65(3), 209-237.?https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bandc.2007.02.007

Szabo, S., Tache, Y., & Somogyi, á. (2012). The legacy of Hans Selye and the origins of stress research: A retrospective 75 years after his landmark brief “Letter” to the Editor # of Nature. Stress, 15(5), 472–478.?https://doi.org/10.3109/10253890.2012.710919

Chiu, M. H., Chou, C. C., & Liu, C. J. (2002). Dynamic processes of conceptual change: Analysis of constructing mental models of chemical equilibrium. Journal of research in science teaching, 39(8), 688-712.

Miranda, M., Morici, J. F., Zanoni, M. B., & Bekinschtein, P. (2019). Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor: A Key Molecule for Memory in the Healthy and the Pathological Brain. Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience, 13, 472800.?https://doi.org/10.3389/fncel.2019.00363

Aydemir, C., Yalcin, E. S., Aksaray, S., Kisa, C., Yildirim, S. G., Uzbay, T., & Goka, E. (2006). Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) changes in the serum of depressed women. Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry, 30(7), 1256-1260.?https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pnpbp.2006.03.025

Bakusic, J., Ghosh, M., Polli, A., Bekaert, B., Schaufeli, W., Claes, S., & Godderis, L. (2020). Epigenetic perspective on the role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in burnout. Translational Psychiatry, 10(1), 1-9.?https://doi.org/10.1038/s41398-020-01037-4

Kiefer, T. (2002). Understanding the emotional experience of organizational change: Evidence from a merger.?Advances in Developing Human Resources,?4(1), 39-61.

Burkitt, I. (2002). Complex emotions: Relations, feelings and images in emotional experience.?The sociological review,?50(S2), 151-167.