TIPS FOR WHEN YOU FEEL OVERWHELMED FROM A LIFE TRANSITION

Are you feeling unfamiliar and uncomfortable in your new role or environment? Perhaps you are finding yourself not able to fit into the new changes, increased expectations in your life, and feeling the loss in a sense of belonging.

Any changes in life can cause us to feel a sense of fear and discomfort whether planned or unexpected. Perhaps it is even causing feelings of anxiety, overwhelmingness, and uncertainties as well. Some might have been expected transitions such as,

• Relocation

• The arrival of a new baby

• Change in career path

• Retirement

You might have done your research and prepared yourself physically, but may now be finding yourself not being prepared enough for the emotional ride.

Other transitions happen more suddenly, where you might find yourself completely lost and asking yourself, ‘How did I get here?’ These unexpected transitions of life can include

• Sudden loss of a loved one

• Separation

• Accident

• Spiritual/Religious issues

• Infidelity

It can be a difficult and stressful adjustment to be forced into this unwelcomed event in your life.

Your past and a new sense of self is in question and can feel disruptive in your life whether you intended the change or not, however, this can be an opportunity for us to regain our internal sense of control and to create a bigger sense of meaning towards our ever-growing identity.

Here are 4 tips to help you maintain a sense of control during change.

1. Look for a glimpse of the past in the present

It can be overwhelming to see everything has changed around you. You might find a sense of loss from the tiniest to the biggest things. Look around you and count the things that will continue staying with you through the change. It can be the smallest things that can ease us from the complete overwhelmingness. There will always be a part of your past in your present.

2. Figure out what type of support you need.

Sounds easy enough but when we are stressed and overwhelmed, we forget to ask for help. Whether it be friends or family members around you, ask for support. Support can be found on many different levels, such as physical support from a type of caregiver to emotional support from a friend with a phone call. There are support groups that can also remind you that you are not alone in this process.

3. Write down your feelings.

You might have heard it before; ‘Let your emotions out’, ‘Feel your feelings’. It’s true. You have to go through the emotions to process them and learn from them because the more you try to hide away from them, the more they will appear in negative ways. Remember that all feelings are like waves; they will come and they will go. Often times, you might find yourself not even knowing what your feelings are. What am I really angry about? Who am I blaming? How am I making sense of all of this?... Writing down your thoughts can help you to see them a bit more clearly.

4. Take care of the basics.

When we try to take on huge challenges, such as adjusting to new environments, we tend to put the most basic, but necessary things in the back seat. These necessary and basic things are what takes care of your overall health. Eat healthy meals, practice good hygiene, create a nighttime routine for better sleep, and exercise.

These are only small tips for you to utilize when you are feeling overwhelmed by the changes around you. Journey with me on a deeper understanding of your new situation and transition. Let me help you to process the loss and integrate your past into the present environment.

You can still be the author of your life!