Change and Stress Management
“Change is inevitable in life, and stress is unavoidable with change.” - Bonnie Brooks Dudley
Introduction:
Change causes stress—that's the bottom line. Period.
Now, the change might be positive and happy or negative and scary, but it doesn't matter. Change causes stress.
Case in point: You might have noticed I haven’t posted anything lately. The reason behind my absence is simple. I’ve had many positive, happy changes in my life in the last two months, and I’ve been STRESSED!
In a nutshell, I’ve sold, moved, renovated, married, and retired from case management. Whew! Each change was planned in leisure yet executed, shall we say, on an aggressive timeline. (Who knew my house would sell so ridiculously fast?)
Change is inevitable in life, and stress is unavoidable with change.
I’ve moved so often that you’d think it would get easier. It doesn’t.
I’ve changed jobs so many times in my life that you’d think it would get easier. It doesn’t.
I’ve changed my name before, too. Talk about a stressful process…I’m still trying to get it all sorted!
The past few months have been fun and exciting yet overwhelming.
One of my proudest business accomplishments was the successful transition of my home care agency to its new owners back in 2018. We worked together to ensure our clients and employees adjusted well to this incredibly significant change. Because we communicated openly and honestly, we were able to alleviate as much stress as we possibly could, and the transition was successful as a result.
My best advice for coping with change and the stress it produces is pretty basic, but it works for me every time:
1) Recognize the beginning signs of stress overload (for me, it’s indecisiveness).
2) Stop and take a break, preferably physically distant from the task I'm working on. (Walking outside works best for me).
3) Practice "square" breathing (breathe in for four, hold for four, breathe out for four, hold for four).
4) Remind myself that I'll adjust to my new normal. Everything will work out just the way it’s supposed to. I can adapt to any situation and overcome any challenge.
5) Talk it out with a trusted resource. (I'm so lucky that my new husband is a very calm guy who handles my brand of crazy with ease.)
6) Return to the task when my mind is calmer.
I’m curious. What strategies do you use to overcome stress brought on by change?
Please reach out if you’re contemplating a personal or professional change and want to discuss it with an experienced, confidential resource. You can book a free introductory call with me at www.BrooksCoaching.us. I’m happy to help.
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