If there’s one thing we can bet on in this world is that it’s always changing. Whether it’s something as big as a global pandemic forcing us to reimagine our public health systems or something as small as our local grocery store discontinuing one of our favorite products, we are forced to adapt to change on a daily basis. Despite how common change is in our lives, it’s not always comfortable to navigate. Today we share three basic principles for navigating change from researcher Kristin Neff.
Self-Kindness
Adapting to change is difficult and if we’re having a hard time managing it, we tend to fall into negative self-talk. Remind yourself that change is natural and you’re doing your best. Speak to yourself as you would a friend in the same predicament. These kind words will boost your confidence and ability to handle whatever comes your way.
Be mindful
Sudden change can prompt us to go into panic mode and think of all the “what if” situations. Manage these emotions with mindfulness. Try meditation, exercise, or journaling to get you out of your head and re-approach the situation with a clear mind.
Lean on common humanity
Fear of change is a shared experience, and especially during the pandemic, this fear was a collective emotion resonating through society. Remember that everyone endures change and struggles with it. Lean on your support systems for guidance and love during challenging times.
Change is inevitable, but meeting it in the right headspace vastly improves our ability to adapt and cope. Employ these strategies and be ready to meet the change in all spheres of your life.
