Whether it's moving to a new city, switching careers, going through a breakup, managing a new health diagnosis, or dealing with a divorce, changes of any kind are difficult. For many people, moving through these types of life transitions is stressful and overwhelming. However, as arduous as it may feel, it's not insurmountable. There are various approaches that will get you through these changes. 

Why Life Transitions Are Difficult

A big reason why people struggle with change is that it highlights what's out of one's control. This can be true even if you've pursued the change yourself or it was mutual, such as deciding to end a relationship. Whatever the case, it's shocking and can feel like getting the rug pulled out from underneath you. 

Putting anything back into its place seems like an obstacle. Furthermore, one change is often accompanied by many others. Because of that, it's easy for someone to spiral into what's not going right or what they can't seem to change themselves. 

How to Get through Change

Even though it may feel like a sense of agency has been lost, that's not the case. Because a loss of control tends to be the most prevalent feeling, reminding yourself what is still in your power is key. Reviewing what aspects of your life are still stable and true for your situation helps balance the scales again. 

Establishing and sticking to your own schedule will also help anchor you as you move through the life transition. When you have specific commitments and responsibilities, it allows you to stay focused and reminds you that you have more outside of what's changed for you. 

These can be small activities, like going to the same cafe in the morning for coffee and going to the same gym classes during the week. It could be enrolling in a class that runs for months so that you have something new and a goal to look forward to at the end. When you have a schedule of your own, it's back in your control. 

Don't be afraid to reach out and shape your own support system too. Friends, family, therapists, support groups, book clubs, and more are all options. Although it may not always seem like the case, there are many people who are willing to lend an ear and words of encouragement.

During moments of major and minor life transitions, you can rely on Turning Point Life Coaching. A licensed psychotherapist and life coach, Dr. Berger has over 40 years of experience guiding individuals and couples through trying times. For maximum accessibility, she offers both in-office and telehealth sessions. You can learn more about her approach online, but if you have any questions, call (585) 292-0095.