Change is something that happens to all of us at some point in our life, for example, that could be good or bad, expected or unexpected. Here are my top tips on how to deal with change.
Stick to a routine
This sounds like a bit of an oxymoron if something is changing but a routine is key. Try to keep to your normal schedule as much as you can, that way you will have some control over the change. Personally, I don’t like to have a strict routine, more of a to-do list with things I want to get done that day.
Come up with a distraction list
It doesn’t need to be a long list. It could just be a few things that will help your anxiety about whatever the change might be. Maybe put together a playlist of songs that will distract you or come up with a few activities you can do when there’s a quiet period.
Related: 100 distractions
Talk to others
Open up to your friends and family about the changes that you are going through. Tell them what you’re worried about, I’m sure one of them will have gone through something similar. If you let someone know what’s going on and how you are feeling, they can check in on you before/during/after the change. If you are struggling, you can always phone/text a helpline.
Think positive
You might be in a stressful situation, but thinking that everything is going to go wrong isn’t going to make you deal with change any better. It will result in more stress which isn’t what you want. Writing down a highlight of each day before the day happens means that you will have something to look forward to!
Related post: Overthinking by Lets Take A Moment
Prepare
Read up as much as you can. For example, when I was moving into uni halls, I read a lot of advice forums on what things I do and don’t need which made me feel much better. Write it down in a notebook and take it with you.
Be kind to yourself
Whether it is a good or a bad change, your feelings are valid. Give yourself a break, you are doing the best you can. Sometimes you just need some time to adjust. You might not feel like this right now, but you’ve got this!
Have you been through a change recently and have any advice that I’ve missed?
Thank you so much to my friend who suggested this a while back, I hope this has helped 💖 If you have any suggestions, please let me know.
Best wishes, Cx
Michelle says
Great tips! As you’ve mentioned, it’s important to focus on things that you can control (to some degree).
Caroline says
Thanks! x
Zoe says
These are perfect tips! We definitely need to be kinder to ourselves 🌸
Caroline says
Thank you 🙂 xx
Amethyst says
Great post. Change can definitely leave you anxious and fearful, these tips are very useful.
Emily Clare says
Thank you for this, I find that I struggle with change so I really needed these tips!
https://www.emilyclareskinner.com
Caroline says
Thank you! ❤xx
lynnmumbingmejia says
Totally agree! I’m definitely one of those people who like change haha I think change comes with challenges and there’s never a day where I don’t like to challenge my mind and body. I think your point about thinking positive is the best thing for change! A few years back, I traveled to the Philippines with my parents and I was born and raised in Canada so when I arrived at my mom’s place, I was totally culture shocked. The change in environment was nothing like I’ve experienced before and the first few days, I would just sulk. It wasn’t until I changed my mindset that I started to enjoy myself and make the best of the situation I was in. Thanks for sharing x
http://www.lynnmumbingmejia.com
Caroline says
Oh wow! Thank you so much for reading and commenting xx
Shahrin says
“Be Kind To Yourself” best advice for change✨
I have always been petrified of change but being kind to yourself allows us to do what we can without being too harsh on ourselves.
Great post Caroline🥰 xx
Caroline says
Thank you! xx
Lauren says
This is a really helpful post. Change sometimes makes me anxious, but I am trying my best to deal with it positively. Thank you for sharing.
Caroline says
Thank you x
Jenny in Neverland says
Some great tips. I think we’re all dealing with change right now and struggling a bit with things being different. Putting these tools in place are really helpful!
Caroline says
Thanks! xx
katieemmabeauty says
I find keeping as much as a routine from before the change really helps me!
Katie | katieemmabeauty.com
Caroline says
So true x
agirlwithaview1 says
Great tips! Love the idea of a distraction list as I often find that when I’m anxious about something if I end up busy doing something else then it never seems as daunting as when it’s the main focus of my day!
Tash – A Girl with a View
Caroline says
So true, thank you 🙂 x
Anika May says
Routines and self-care definitely help me the most, always reliable and always calming for sure. Great post!
Anika | chaptersofmay.com
Caroline says
Thank you 💗
Tiffany McCullough - Metaphysical Mama says
This is such good advice for dealing with change! Keeping as much of your routine the same as possible is such a great strategy. Thanks for sharing these tips!
Caroline says
Thank you 🙂 xx
smallgirlbigworld says
Great simple tips that are sometimes forgotten, thanks for the inspiration!
Caroline says
Thank you for reading and commenting 🙂 x
aimsysantics says
So many great tips on this list! There’s a lot of change happening at the moment, so these will come in handy to follow! I especially relate to thinking positive…definitley something I always try to do in any changing situation.
Thanks for sharing!
Aimsy xoxo
Aimsy’s Antics
Caroline says
Thank you! xx
amymayj says
Thank you so much for sharing Caroline! I absolutely hate change but I completely agree with you on what you said about keeping a routine – like you said it seems a bit of an oxymoron but I’ve honestly found that keeping things as normal as you can and trying your best to keep a routine can really help. Preparation is also key too – I find things so much easier when I know what to expect! x
Caroline says
So true, thank you 🙂 xx
Della Driscoll says
Great tips here! I find change really hard to deal with but I think being kind to yourself is so important x
Caroline says
Me too, thanks! x
Kelly Diane says
These are some really great tips. Dealing with change can be so difficult and I think sometimes we forget there. I agree we really need to be kind to ourselves.
Caroline says
Thank you 🙂 xx
Simona ~ The Grumpy Olive says
Change has always been scaring to me, and I wish I had your tips when overthinking all my work career at one point! These are great, thanks for sharing them Caroline x
Caroline says
Aw thank you x
Tiffany Timms says
These are brilliant tips! I struggle with change & hate having my routines out of place so this is really useful, thank you xx
Tiffany x http://www.foodandotherloves.co.uk
Caroline says
I relate, thank you for reading & commenting 🙂 xx
lucymarytaylor says
I love these techniques of how to deal with change lovely, change is sometimes a scary thing but sometimes it can be a good thing too! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
Caroline says
Totally agree <3 x
aspoonfulofvanilla says
This is such a great post. I sometimes struggle with change but there are some things on here I have never tried so I am going to make a note of them, and keep them for the next time I am feeling overwhelmed about something x
Caroline says
Aw thank you 💗
Tom says
Lovely advice, especially acknowledging your own feelings and potential limitations – it’s okay to feel uncomfortable, which can be the first step in dealing with change
Caroline says
Thanks, that’s so true
cherbelle says
I struggled a lot with accepting change but preparation has helped me weather those feelings !
Caroline says
Thank you for reading & commenting 🙂 x
Simply Alex Jean says
This is such a great list Caroline – for me having those routines even small ones really helps calm me when changes (big or small) are occurring. I’m a planner so knowing I can count on certain things or plan my usual routine is definitely a must for me. Being kind to yourself is a fantastic point as that’s something we often forget but always say to others! Thanks for sharing this great list.
Alex | https://www.simplyalexjean.com
Caroline says
I’m with you on planning x