TRANSITIONS CAN BE TOUGH

Transitions are tough for many of us. September can be a month full of transitions. There is no sugar coating it!

Unfortunately, transitions are also a part of life. Whether it's transitioning from high school to University , transitioning to working at a new job, moving to a new city, or any other change in your life, transitions aren't always so easy. Transitions is can be extremely frustrating and overwhelming. 
 
One of the major reasons why is because transitions involve CHANGE. Change of routine, change of structure, change of climate, change of physical location/space etc. Change is also typically associated with a loss of control/uncertainty and therefore anxiety. So what does this mean? It means that transitions can be and are typically anxiety provoking. 
 
Even though transitions aren’t necessarily bad, in fact it is usually a positive (typically, transitions mean that progress has been made), they can still be stressful and anxiety provoking. But it doesn't have to be that way. 
 
Here are some tips to help you deal with life transitions:

• Focus on what you can control. Uncertainty, change and transitions can be anxiety provoking because it can feel as though we are losing control. One of the ways we can reduce anxiety is to focus our time, attention and resources towards what we can control (ie. What I am going to wear today etc)
• Normalize the experiences. Remind yourself that what you are going through is a typical reaction to change and that these feelings will not last forever (ie. “this is just my anxiety talking. This is to be expected. These feelings will pass. ”)
• Engage in relaxation exercises; Try meditating, yoga or engaging in” mindful moments”. Grounding can also be helpful! (See my previous blog post on grounding: http://www.brittanymarshallcounselling.ca/blog/pressing-pause)
• Practice self-care; take time for yourself. Tune into your body. Ask yourself “what is my body trying to tell me? What do I need right now?” And give yourself it! (eg. Make yourself a cup of green tea. Have a bubble bath. Watch your favourite movie. Have your favourite snack)
• Seek support. Reach out to your friends, family members, peers and anyone else who is part of your support network. If you are in need of more professional support, reach out to professional counselling services. If you are an University/college student, familiarize yourself with the resources that are available on and off campus (every college/university has their own counselling services department).
• Reward yourself  Recognize your accomplishments and successes. Also, acknowledge and reward the progress you have made. Remind yourself how far you have come and all the obstacles you have overcome.
• Take a break.  We all have periods in our life where we need to take a step back and have a break-physically, emotionally, mentally. Don’t be afraid to remove yourself physically from a stressful situation. Go outside. Get fresh air. Take long, deep breaths. Go for a walk.
• Engage in positive self-talk; It is very easy to get caught up the vicious cycle of negative, “what if”, catastrophic thoughts which are not helpful. Instead, engage in more realistic, positive thoughts. Remind yourself “I can do this; I will be okay”

 
Looking for additional support/resources for how to deal with change? Contact Brittany for a free consultation today!

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