Going through a big change, whether it\u2019s a relationship breakup, an unexpected death in your family, or a big move, can be overwhelming, stressful, and exhausting. Many people find it hard to adjust to intense changes and often suffer mentally because of that.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re having a hard time dealing with change, your best bet is to seek professional help. However, the expert tips below are a great place to start.<\/p>\n
Acknowledge the impact it’s having on your life<\/strong> Stick to a schedule<\/strong> Take care of yourself<\/strong> Have a support system in place<\/strong> If you feel like you have no one to turn to, there\u2019s always the option of finding a support group. Dr. Darnley says, \u201cSeek out people who have successfully handled a similar situation before. Support groups (online or in the community) are a great resource and might help you feel less isolated or alone.\u201d<\/p>\n Indulge in soothing rituals<\/strong> Don\u2019t beat yourself up<\/strong> Focus on how you can make things better<\/strong> xx, The FabFitFun Team<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":"Going through a big change, whether it\u2019s a relationship breakup, an unexpected death in your ...","author":2690618,"featured_media":146696,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[260],"tags":[],"thumbnail_url":"https:\/\/static.fabfitfun.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/18124109\/lifechanges.jpg","thumbnail_url_middle_card":"https:\/\/static.fabfitfun.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/18124109\/lifechanges-386x200.jpg","formated_date":"October 16, 2019","category_name":"Life","category_icon":"https:\/\/d3vodd1ws13xud.cloudfront.net\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/10113832\/entertainment.svg","author_name":"","trending":false,"sponsored":false,"random_color":"#6ee827","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/fabfitfun.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/146644"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/fabfitfun.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/fabfitfun.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fabfitfun.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2690618"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fabfitfun.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=146644"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/fabfitfun.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/146644\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fabfitfun.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/146696"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/fabfitfun.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=146644"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fabfitfun.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=146644"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fabfitfun.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=146644"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
\nIgnoring the effect of this change isn\u2019t going to do you any favors. Dr. Amanda K. Darnley, a licensed psychologist and founder of Chrysocolla Counseling, PLLC, says, \u201cAcknowledging your feelings is important. Not judging yourself for having those feelings is equally important.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nWhen it feels like everything has been turned upside down, a schedule can be comforting. Adina Mahalli, certified mental health consultant, says, \u201cThis creates a sense of normalcy despite change and provides you with an anchor, which can help ease your mind.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nDon\u2019t ignore your physical health even if you\u2019re not feeling your best mentally. Dr. Darnley\u2019s suggestion? \u201cEat healthily and regularly, maintain your sleep schedule (aim for seven to eight hours a night), and carve out time for exercise,” she says. “No one is at their best when they are hungry and tired.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nIf you\u2019re overwhelmed by change, you should never isolate yourself. \u201cLean on your friends and family,\u201d says Dr. Vassilia Binensztok, a Florida-based licensed and board-certified mental health counselor. \u201cMake sure you are reaching out to people who can be empathetic and supportive,\u201d\u00a0Dr. Darnley adds.<\/p>\n
\nWhatever your version of self-care looks like, make sure you carve out time for it. \u201cWhat helps you feel calmer or what activities usually give you joy?” asks psychologist Julia Beltsiou. “It could be a morning run, a tea before work, meditation, connecting with a good friend, or taking a bath before sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nIt\u2019s easy to get frustrated with yourself when you think you can handle the situation better. Dr. Binensztok says, \u201cRemind yourself that anxiety from big changes is normal and temporary. Accept that there will be ups and downs along the way. The key is not to fight it but to flow with it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nThink about how you can make these changes work for you. \u201cFocus on concrete steps in mastering change to help feel more in control,\u201d Beltsiou says. \u201cBeing proactive in handling change can be a source of pride and help us feel more in charge during times of uncertainty.\u201d<\/p>\n