How to Cope with Traumatic Change and Transition

While some of us love change, many of us are creatures of habit. It can be very tough for some of us to embrace change. We fall into routines easily and we enjoy them as well. When something happens which breaks us out of that nice, safe security it can be unsettling. When we have multiple layers of change that all come at once it can actually be very traumatic. How we adapt to our surroundings and how we adapt to this change is completely affected by how we perceive this change in our minds. The recent outbreak of #covid19 and changes in the way we live, as well as uncertainty, has been an adaption we are all now navigating our way through.

Change can come in many forms. It may be:

• Losing your job
• Change in company structure
• Loss of earnings
• Setting up your own business
• Insecurity in your job
• Change in career. 
• A physiological change which was unexpected and stops you doing something you’ve always done. 
• A relationship breaking down. 
• Moving to another location. 
• Breakdown of a friendship
• Change in surroundings which is beyond our control

All of these changes can be unsettling on their own and sometimes when they come altogether, it can cause a traumatic reaction. There is a modified (and incorrect) quote, people often claim to be from Darwin, but I still like it anyway. 

“It’s not the strongest of the species that survives, it’s one which is most flexible and adaptable to change “

If we can truly work out how to adapt to our surroundings as they change this means that not only will we be stronger and fitter in the mind but will also be happier in ourselves.

Easier said than done? Well, it does not have to be difficult. You can make this easier if you really focus on what you do you want, what you can do, and what you can control.

Here are some useful ways to cope with change: 

1. Acceptance of a situation. It’s happened, it's here. You cannot reverse time for a different outcome. The focus has to be on the now and the future. Only focus on the past when it is useful and can be viewed as a learning experience. What happened? What can happen now and next? How do you overcome the situation and move forward? How do you avoid making the mistake again? How do you live with the situation and adapt?
2. Which part is totally out of your control? Which parts can you control? If something is out of your control move on past it. Moving your focus to the areas that you can change is key to moving forwards and having a happier peace of mind.
3. Start making a plan for the areas you can control. Focus on the areas which are going to be the most viable for you to make change for a positive outcome. Start making a plan. Some people make lists, some like to talk to people to understand how to prioritise and work out what is going to be the most beneficial course of action to move forwards.
4. What resources do you have to help you move forward that one step towards a positive future? You may have people, you may have physical resources, you may have time, money, you may just have the ability to have a great attitude towards change. Think about where you can go, who you can go to and what you can do to move yourself forward one step.
5. Practising mindfulness regularly has been shown to align your thoughts, reduce stress, reduce anxiety, and increase logical thought process.
6. Hire a Personal Development Coach to help you. Ok, so yes I am a Coach and I suppose I would say this. However, a Coach can help you prioritise, see more clearly and work out a way forward. 

Change can be tough to meet head on. Especially when it is unexpected. However breaking this down into smaller pieces and working out what you can do to move forward can make the change more manageable and therefore less stressful. This in turn leads to a happier you internally. Personal development can lead to a better place for you and those around you.

Connect with me or send a message to find out how I can help you work through the areas of change in your life.