Dealing with change and uncertainty
One of the few certainties in life is that things will change. Change is inevitable and to be expected, yet so often change can bring feelings of discomfort and unsteadiness. Equally, change can offer new opportunities, new ways of thinking and feelings of excited anticipation.
As I write this, I’m thinking about the changes that have happened in my life over the past week. I have felt unsettled, unsure and disconcerted in my heavier moments, and in my lighter moments, I have felt that life is full of possibility and I am able to embrace it all.
I think that is the thing about change and uncertainty: it isn’t necessarily the thing that has changed, it is the feelings that go alongside the change. I wonder if it’s got more to do with feeling ready and resilient, rather than the change itself that is important.
That said, here are some simple tips for dealing with change and uncertainty:
Bear in mind that the human brain wants to keep you safe so will likely view any change as unsafe, and this is where unsettled feelings can come from; but be assured that the brain will adapt over time and what was once new and fearful will become the norm soon enough.
The final thing to mention is that everyone is different and so the words I have written here might not resonate with you, and that is OK.
As I write this, I’m thinking about the changes that have happened in my life over the past week. I have felt unsettled, unsure and disconcerted in my heavier moments, and in my lighter moments, I have felt that life is full of possibility and I am able to embrace it all.
I think that is the thing about change and uncertainty: it isn’t necessarily the thing that has changed, it is the feelings that go alongside the change. I wonder if it’s got more to do with feeling ready and resilient, rather than the change itself that is important.
That said, here are some simple tips for dealing with change and uncertainty:
- Know yourself and how you respond. That way, you won’t be so busy trying to understand your response if and when things change around you. You will be fore-armed. Spend some time reflecting on times when change has occurred in the past and recall how you responded. This will help you know what to expect when there is change in the future.
- Ask for help if you need it. There is no harm in asking for help – from a friend or family member, or from a professional – so that you can weather the change more effectively with tools and with support.
- Know that things will eventually settle down. By this, I mean that the thing that has changed will eventually become the norm, until the next thing changes…!
- Keep doing the basics. By this, I mean that you ensure you have enough rest/sleep, you eat well, you move enough, and you surround yourself with the people who help you feel better… Whatever works best for you.
- Consider seeing change as a means to re-calibrate. When things change, it can be a time to do things differently, to pivot, or to be inspired to change something else. Change does not necessarily have to be a time of difficulty, depending on how you look at it.
Bear in mind that the human brain wants to keep you safe so will likely view any change as unsafe, and this is where unsettled feelings can come from; but be assured that the brain will adapt over time and what was once new and fearful will become the norm soon enough.
The final thing to mention is that everyone is different and so the words I have written here might not resonate with you, and that is OK.