I deal very poorly with change.
When I say poorly, I mean, terribly.
Every part of me ties itself into a thousand anxious knots, telling me that something (or everything) will go wrong right this moment. Life falls apart like a sandcastle in the middle of 4 excited kids on a Vietnam beach vacation.
In short, I am the human version of an anxious fly that bumps into every wall it encounters.
So, what can you do?
Remind yourself that while things are changing, you aren’t.
What I mean by this is that in a world that is ever-changing, continually moving, you will always be your only constant. No matter where you go, or what you do, the one person that will always be by your side, is well, you.
This is not to say that others aren’t - of course, there are friends and family that are a phone call away, but sometimes, realizing that there is one very solid foundation that will remain with you no matter what - no matter where you go, and what you do - becomes important.
Get back to your hobbies (or develop a few)
Painting. Writing. Walking. Singing. Sports. Window shopping. Karaoke. Cafe hopping. Anything can be a hobby as long as it keeps you engaged.
I cannot stress more on the importance of hobbies - in any stage of life. When things change, a lot of our energy goes into making the worst of it. Finding your hobbies - anything that you like doing - will help take your mind off of it.
Step outside.
Sometimes it’s important to realize that while everything is changing, the world is still moving. Changes don’t pause our lives. They might make it a little more difficult, or perhaps leave us devastated for some time, but there's absolutely no stop to the vehicle of life.
When we see the world outside of our rooms - the cars, children in parks, people in cafes - it serves as a gentle reminder that everything in this world will continue to exist, no matter what.
I remember watching a reel once that said - when we step out into the world, we see things that are larger than us. Problems seem larger in contained spaces - maybe because that’s all we can see. So if possible - if it isn’t 3 am in the night - step out.
Meditate.
I find it very difficult to do this, but I’ve found a way. Eventually, there’ll be an entire article on this, but for now, here are some simple hacks that might help -
Look for a meditative playlist on Spotify/any other platform
Place your hand on your stomach and focus only on your breathing
Don’t stop your thoughts, let them pass by.
You can also try guided meditation.
I am attaching some links at the bottom of this article that helped me.
Read (or listen).
Changes are so difficult - especially when it’s something that you are so used to, that imagining your life without it seems almost impossible. But we’re also so very strong - and adaptable. Sometimes, we need people to remind us of that.
So, open up some personal blogs, and read for a while - just how people have dealt with similar situations. It helps.
If reading isn't your jam, we can try podcasts - there are many podcasts that speak of suffering, loneliness, changes and coping. Attaching some of my favorites below.
Try therapy.
If nothing works for countering your anxiety, try therapy. And this doesn't necessarily have to be your last resort.
It is important to realize that each of us is different individual. We respond to the similar problems in varied ways. Often times, we fail at communication. Not just with people, but also with ourselves. Therapy tells us what we need, at the times when we can’t see it for ourselves. Give it a try, take a leap of faith, and invest in your mental well-being.
Here’s a word of understanding:
It’s difficult to deal with changing environments. People leaving. Changing jobs, or relocation. Or simply, watching time pass by, each day.
It is overwhelming.
We are creatures of disaster, striving on a vehicle of faith.
Trust is all we have - and we have to put much of it in ourselves.
Remind yourself that you’ve done it before, and you’ll do it again. And even if you haven’t, you may be surprised about just how capable you are of getting it right.
Blogs that helped | |
Meditation playlists | |
Podcasts to listen to when you're lonely |
"Remind yourself that while things are changing, you aren’t."
This right here is gem of an advice. We tend to forget that all you need is yourself.
I really loved the gifs xD
Waiting for the next post <3