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8 Tips for Thriving During Life Transitions

by | December 12, 2017

8 Tips for Thriving During Life Transitions

“The only thing that is constant is change.”― Heraclitus (Greek philosopher)

Life changes are inevitable. Whether it’s a job change, the beginning or ending of a relationship, starting a family, or a loss, transitions are part of the human experience – yet can often be difficult to adapt to.

In order to cope with these changes, many of us find ourselves in a “fight, flight or freeze response.” For example, a difficult transition may cause us to get angry, to compartmentalize our feelings or avoid them all together. We may feel like we’re unable to move forward – frozen with worry and fear. Behind the scenes, a number of complex mechanisms are set into motion that we are not aware of. Amygdala, part of the brain that contributes to emotional processing, receives input coming in from the environment, and signals this to the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus, in turn, communicates with our autonomic nervous system, and before we know it, our breathing and heart rate have increased, our blood pressure has risen and we are ready to fight or run away. This is a completely normal response. In fact, it’s how we are wired, and, at one point, this actually helped us survive (think caveman running away from a tiger).

Whether the transformative event was desired or not, anticipated or unexpected, there is no question that adapting to a new set of circumstances is tough. It requires mental and physical energy to adapt to change and find a new equilibrium.

I’ve been through major changes myself, and have helped friends and patients in my primary care practice cope with similar transitions by incorporating tools such as mindfulness, meditation and self-care. Here is what I’ve learned about how to thrive during life transitions with minimal effort, but maximum common sense.

1. Be “in the now”

In his book “The Power of Now,” Ekhart Tolle emphasizes the importance of being present. When making a big life change, it’s easy to get caught up in the stress of what the future will hold. For instance, taking a new job or going back to school can feel overwhelming – especially when thinking about everything it may entail – from the steep learning curve and new expectations, to making a positive impression on your new colleagues.

Rather than spending energy ruminating about the past or projecting your fears about the future, try to focus on where you are now. If you can accept where you are and take things step by step as they come, the overwhelm will dissolve. In fact, you might even get excited by the challenge!

2. Maintain your sense of humor

When I moved from Serbia to Canada at thirteen, my parents and I had to learn English. No matter how hard we worked to improve our language skills, we made mistakes all the time. A friend was insulted when my father told her she was “worthless” when he actually meant “wordless” (i.e., speechless). My mother told my teacher that I was sick with a sore “trout” instead of throat. When I wanted to try a shirt at a department store and asked for a fitness room, I had no idea why the department store employees looked at me half- puzzled, half-amused. But when I realized the meaning, I immediately had the image of me on a stair master in a tiny fitting room in a department store, and thought it was pretty funny, too. It would have been easy for us to lose self- confidence and hope – but we managed to laugh about it instead.

Research shows that playfully reframing situations (as I just did above) and using positive humor (i.e., not aggressive or self-defeating humor) correlate with subjective happiness. Furthermore, self-enhancing humor (ability to maintain a humorous perspective in the face of stress and adversity) and affiliative humor (ability to enhance one’s relationship with others) have been shown to increase self-esteem and decrease symptoms of depression and loneliness in adolescents.

3. Accept that change is natural Change is necessary

Without change, we wouldn’t learn, grow, or experience the richness of human experience and connection. Consider the changes in nature that are around us: day to night, seasonal changes, stages of life, birth, death. Some are magnificent, some are painful and some are both. They are all part of life.

A beautiful metaphor for embracing change comes from my dear friend and colleague, Dr. Alisa Hoffman, a psychologist in Los Angeles. Dr. Hoffman says: “An arborist told me that trees need to get blown around because that is the way they grow strong roots. Transitions help to strengthen our coping skills and our confidence so that we can face other transitions in life. Change continues to happen, and our ability to develop good coping and strong shock absorbers are key to moving through the transitions gracefully.”

It’s also important to keep in mind that it is normal to find a positive change stressful. “I find that people judge themselves about the difficulty they are having,” says Dr. Hoffman. “They think they have no ‘reason’ to be stressed because this is a ‘happy’ event/transition. So keeping in mind that even good things cause stress and not to judge yourself too harshly is important.”

4. Recognize and summon your strengths

Experience is a valuable teacher. Reflect on how you’ve handled major changes or obstacles in the past. Think about what helped you successfully navigate new things in life. What makes you resilient? What motivates you? Identifying what strengths and values you can draw on will help you thrive in the midst of your next big transition.

5. Rely on simple self-care routines

While the change you’re facing may be out of your control, you have the power to design and simplify your routine to serve your needs. For example, the top three things that I try to preserve during times of change or high stress are sleep (eight hours if possible), exercise and healthy, light food intake. Since I recently moved across the country to New York City, additional routines that I established are walking and getting to know my neighborhood.

Make taking care of yourself a priority. By taking care of yourself, you not only help yourself, but are better equipped to support and nurture your loved ones. Although this can include meditation, yoga, or exercise, for most, this may not be realistic on a daily basis. And that’s ok. If you have little ones like me, know that it is possible to insert self-care and mindfulness, no matter what your schedule is. For instance, while dropping off your kids at school or grocery shopping with them, there are opportunities for connection and play through mindfully engaging in conversation, humor or games (at my kids’ ages, we do a lot of “I spy”). I sometimes give my kids a foot rub at bedtime with calming oils. This is the perfect time for bonding, healing and relaxing (and aromatherapy!) for all, and is part of self and family care. Disclaimer: this is not always the case. Tears and meltdowns can and will happen, but that’s life!

6. Tap into your network

A strong support network is crucial in helping us deal with stress and change. A study of medical students showed that those with inadequate support had a higher risk of depression. If you are dealing with a major stressor, illness or a loss, now is the time to reach out to your support network, and/or a health care professional, who can help guide and support you through the hardship.

Getting familiar with the people at your new job or within your community can help make the transition feel easier. If you’ve changed jobs, get to know your new colleagues. Find out about their interests, hobbies, likes and dislikes. Chances are you will meet people who you share interests with, and you will form meaningful bonds.

7. Build a new community

When I was in elementary school in Belgrade, a war broke out in my country. Many refugees came to my town, and some of them were at my school. My best friend and I volunteered to help a refugee girl in our class with homework. I will never forget how distant she appeared and how difficult it was for her to engage. She had just lost her home and fled with her mother. She didn’t know if or when she was going to see her father again. One day, while we were tutoring her, my cat walked into the room and I remember her face overflowing with joy. I remember her being fully present as she laughed while playing with my cat. Sometimes, it’s these small connections that can lead to beginnings of healing.

After moving to Canada, I remember often thinking about my friend, and how many of us at one stage or another feel displaced and without a community. Suffering, joy, change and nostalgia are all to be expected within our human experience. Tuning in to our emotions and thoughts, and remembering that many of us feel or have felt the same at one time or another are crucial to gaining perspective and comfort in this collective human experience. It often helps me to open up to people who I am close with when I am having a hard time. Sharing of experiences and perspectives, giving and receiving empathy, learning from each other is what helps us cope, see the light and move forward with resilience and strength. Not necessarily with lightness of being or ease, but with an openness, curiosity and presence.

8. Take things one step at a time

Be realistic about what you expect from yourself. Accept that you will not adapt to your new circumstances overnight and that loss or change may slow your usual pace and productivity down. If you have experienced a loss, be present for what you are experiencing. Be kind to yourself, and seek help and support when you need it. Although you can look ahead with clear goals in mind, focus on the realistic steps you can take to nourish yourself and effectively cope.

Change can challenge the core of our being, including our beliefs and our self-esteem. In the midst of chaos and uncertainty, it is important to maintain a strong sense of who we are. It is vital to be as grounded as possible, to not forget our core values and to trust that we will persevere. Do your best to be in the now when tackling change, and know that transitions are temporary – you will find a way to cope with the circumstances or overcome the challenge you are presented with.

If coping is becoming too difficult, or the stress of change persists for more than six months, consider seeking professional help. No one does it alone – it takes a village!

Disclaimer

Nothing stated or posted in this article is intended or should be taken to be the practice of medical or counseling care. The information made available in this article, including, but not limited to, interviews, text, graphics, images, links to other articles, websites, and other material contained in this article, is strictly for informational and entertainment purposes only. The information in this article is NOT (and should not be used as) a substitute for professional psychiatry, psychology, medical, nursing, or professional healthcare advice or services, nor is it designed to suggest any specific diagnosis or treatment. Please always seek medical advice from your physician or a qualified health care provider regarding any medical questions, conditions or treatment, before making any changes to your health care regimen, medications or lifestyle habits. None of the information in this article is a representation or warranty that any particular drug or treatment is safe, appropriate or effective for you, or that any particular healthcare provider is appropriate for you. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking help from a health care provider due to something you have read or seen in this article. Your reading/use of this article does not create in any way a physician-patient relationship, any sort of confidential, fiduciary or professional relationship, or any other special relationship that would give rise to any duties. This article does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, healthcare providers, procedures, or treatments, and if you rely on any of the information provided by this article, you do so solely at your own risk.

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About the Author

Bojana Jankovic Weatherly, MD

Bojana Jankovic Weatherly, MD

Dr. Bojana (Boy•ana) Jankovic Weatherly is an award winning physician, double board certified in internal and integrative medicine. After completing internal medicine residency, she did a fellowship in integrative medicine, trained in functional medicine, nutrition and mindfulness. Her approach is rooted in evidence-based medicine that is personalized to each individual she works with.

14 Comments

  1. Mitzi Newman

    Thanking you for sharing. Tips I will be calling on in 2018 as there is a company restructure coming and my role will be changing.

    Reply
    • Bojana Jankovic

      I wish you all the best in navigating through you change! One mindful step at a time can go a long way.

      All the best,
      Dr. Bojana

      Reply
  2. Maria Ayres

    It is always good to be reminded of coping techniques. I am going through some changes and I find myself frozen. But it helps to be reminded to stay in the now.

    Thank you,
    Maria

    Reply
    • Bojana Jankovic

      Dear Maria,

      I’m with you – our nature is such that when we face a stressor or change that is difficult to deal with, we often freeze. You are not alone! I applaud you for acknowledging this (it takes a great deal of insight and courage to recognize this!) and working on it.

      All the best,
      Dr. Bojana

      Reply
  3. Anna

    Thanks for the precious suggestions and advice, @Dr_Bojana , made me reflect on some aspects of my being and I think I will try to love me more. I want to try.
    I am a person who lives in the past and this article, but has opened his eyes.
    Thank you so much.

    Reply
    • Bojana Jankovic

      You are so welcome. Our tendency is to be in the past or future, rather than the present moment. We often ruminate on past events, analyze, and replay a scenario over and over in our head. We also make plans, we fear uncertainty of the future, we look forward to other things. This can, of course, be productive, insightful, and is often necessary, but we must also pause and just be. A meditation practice can be grounding and centering, and allow us to just be. I wish you all the best in being in the present moment!

      All the best,
      Dr. Bojana

      Reply
      • Anna

        Exactly. There is so much confusion in me … I have undergone several changes and I do not have time to metabolize one that comes with new ones. I am very self-deprecating, but often in a negative way, I always try to analyze myself and my relationship with my neighbor, often contradicting myself.
        My fault is to be affectionate and give too much love and then only get disappointed and, when it happens, I start to blame myself because maybe it’s me who is wrong to not do enough or to do too much making people escape.
        Life is a continuous struggle through small and big changes with which we must learn to live and accept. Sometimes they are positive, sometimes not, but often they are inevitable. Even the decision to approach this blog is a change for me, it’s the first time I do it and I feel I’ve done something good for myself because now I think more about what I eat and what I do for my good. I have people who depend on me and if I am sick, they are also bad and they can not afford it.
        My body often puts me to the test through diseases that I can not escape from and in recent years I have had to take care of the health problems of the other members of the family (my mom fighting with the cancer), removing energy and time for myself.
        I have to learn to breathe again and take one step at a time.
        p.s .: I read Quantum, I hope him can get well and get back in shape soon.
        I wish you and your whole family every good.

        Reply
        • Bojana Jankovic

          I am sorry to hear about your mom fighting cancer and your health issues. I wish all the best for you both. And thank you for the well wishes for Quantum.

          Wishing you health, strength and peace, and Happy Holidays,
          Dr. Bojana

          Reply
  4. Jennifer

    Thank you for this article. I too am going through some changes and am trying to adjust to the loss of a loved one. Your article has reminded me to be strong and live in the moment because I find myself frozen many times while everyone else is moving forward. I will try to live in the moment and take it one day at a time. Thank you for these encouraging words-they will definitely help me get through one of the busiest weeks of the year!

    Reply
  5. Terry

    My husband just underwent surgery and for the next several weeks or months our lives will be quite different. We’re both already using “being in the now” and humour to help cope and they are working. I’ll definitely be trying your other suggestions too. Thanks.

    Reply
  6. Darby

    This article came right on time bringing insight, reminders and peace. Thank you so much for writing and sharing. . I plan to print this out and give it to my children. We had an unexpected death in the family and I’m taking it moment by moment as we plan last minute travel among other things.

    I often use humor in difficult situations. It keeps me sane. I can relate to the language mix ups. you experienced. .Years ago, I was living in Germany and when I would exercise. or go to the “discotheques” to dance it’d get hot; especially in summer. Sometimes in conversation, I’d say I’m hot, as in hot and sweaty. German uses a form of slang to say your hot that I was not aware of right away, Instead, I had been telling a lot of people that “I was horny..”:Once I learned my error, I chose laughing vs complete mortification. I wondered why men kept giving me their numbers.

    Happy Holidays. Grace and Peace to you and your family.

    Reply
    • Bojana Jankovic

      I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Thank you for sharing – I love your “lost in translation” moment in Germany and that you chose humor over mortification!

      Happy Holidays and all the best to you and your family,
      Dr. Bojana

      Reply
  7. Maya

    Thank you Dr Bojana. This really was a great read and reminder of what to do when things don’t always go the way you want them to. It was lovely to read a bit about your background as well. And how those circumstances change us. I feel like I have a similar story. At 13 moved from Serbia to Australia. Thank you again for sharing.

    Reply
    • Bojana Jankovic

      You are so welcome, and thank you for sharing, Maya. I am glad to hear my story and take home points resonated with you!

      Wishing you all the best,
      Dr. Bojana

      Reply

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