Change can involve a break in our normal routine, an alteration to our current lifestyle or an unwelcome loss. Whether the change is big or small, it can represent a threat to our security and can challenge our old beliefs, and actions.

Change is unsettling because the calm that we have established with our routines is being disturbed.  It is natural for most people to want to continue along a beaten path.

People generally want to regroup, recover and return to a stable condition of customary actions and results. Often, when faced with change, people are unsure of their ability to adjust and learn new things. People who are unsure can react with fear, anger, and confusion and can feel the physical and emotional discomfort of depression, anxiety and panic.

 

Adjusting to change can be a struggle, but the end result can be rewarding. Adjusting to change can mean:

·              An improvement in an individual’s way of life

·              Emotional, social or professional growth

·              Increased productivity

·              An improvement to a person’s self esteem

·              New coping skills, preparing an individual to adapt to more change

 

Some tips for adjusting to change include:

Ø  Finding out as much as possible about the changes that are taking place. When is this going to happen? How will this change affect my daily living? What information do I need to accept this change? How will this change affect the people around me?

Ø  Picture yourself in the future, having made the change successfully. Include how you are acting, how you are feeling and how others around you are coping with the change.

Ø  Tell yourself that you deserve a positive outcome to the change.

Ø  Create steps to encourage the positive outcome. Instead of just letting change happen to you, prepare yourself, and plan to navigate through the change focusing on your own skills and abilities and recognizing and voicing your needs.

 

Ignoring the need for change can create an unproductive environment. Denying that change is coming can decrease an individual’s chance to recover his or her balance quickly. Resisting change can create emotions and situations that are harmful to our well-being.

Accepting and learning to cope with change can result in better situations, improved mental health and a quicker return to comfortable routines.