This is the season of shifting sands and new things. Helen Gormley, who offers coaching and therapy in Bath, shares some simple ways to cope with the transition…
Change is constant and a natural part of our daily life, and September is a particular month of change for so many of us. There may be minor and significant life transitions to navigate - either way, approaching change with an open and positive mindset can be very helpful, and there are ways that can help us to do that.
My first suggestion would be to practice cultivating curiosity about change – start to see it as an opportunity for growth and self-discovery, while considering what you can control now.
Here are a few things to consider to help navigate change and improve your well-being:
Self-care – think about your daily and morning routines and how you might include setting boundaries, nature breaks, awareness of your technology usage, and creating space for you. Whilst also engaging in activities that bring you joy and relaxation.
Emotions – acknowledge them and allow yourself to experience, process, and share them with friends, and family, and seek further support if needed. Being aware of what you can control and influence.
Stay present and grounded – often we can get caught up in the past or the future. By practicing mindfulness, it can help us stay grounded in the present moment and reduce anxiety about change. Some techniques to support this include meditation, breathing exercises, connecting with our senses, yoga, and creating space to be.
Embrace Flexibility – it can feel uncertain but trying new approaches and seeing the opportunities the situation presents to try something new. Cultivating flexibility and adaptability to support adjusting plans and other things along your journey.
Set realistic expectations and stay organised – breaking tasks down into small steps and allocating a specific amount of time. Celebrate your progress each day. Staying organised will help to manage your time and responsibilities daily.
Focus on your strengths – your past successes and lean into your strengths to overcome the challenges that present currently.
Learning every day – seeing change as a wonderful opportunity to learn new skills and gain knowledge along the way.
Self-Compassion – going through change and transition is a constant journey and being kind to yourself is a key part of supporting you and your well-being. Also, remember to celebrate the small wins each and every day to help boost your confidence, well-being, and motivation.
In summary, embrace a growth mindset, set clear goals, practice self-care, stay organised, keep things simple, and break tasks into smaller achievable steps, while creating space for you as you navigate change is so important with kindness, patience, and compassion. We’re all individuals, and your journey will be different and unique, so personalise these suggestions to suit your needs, time, and circumstances.
