10 Ways To Cope With Big Changes
10 Ways To Cope With Big Changes
10 Ways To Cope With Big Changes
The one constant in life is change. That doesn't mean we ever get used to it or fully embrace it,
though. Here are 10 tips for coping with big changes in your life and coming out a better person
for it.
Provided as support for the course “Game Changers: Gaming Skills and the Workplace”
Article: 10 Ways to Cope With Big Changes
notice if you are experiencing an increased use of alcohol or other substances; your use can
sneak up on you when you are under stress.
5. Exercise.
Keeping up regular exercise could be a part of the "keep up your regular schedule" tip. If
exercise is not currently part of your routine, try adding it. Exercising two to three times a week
has been found to significantly decrease symptoms of depression (Barclay, et al. 2014.) Even
just walking around the block can help you feel better. (Check with your doctor before starting
an exercise program.) Remember, you don't have to feel like getting some exercise; just get out
there and move. You'll find that many times your motivation will kick in while you are active.
6. Seek support.
No one gets through life alone. It is okay to ask for help; that's a sign that you know yourself
well enough to realize you need some assistance. Think of your trusted friends or family
members. Chances are that they are happy to help if you need them to watch your kids while
you run some errands, or if you just need some alone time. There may a neighbor who has
asked you for help in the past—now maybe you can ask them for help. Apps like NextDoor have
been helpful for connecting neighbors. If you are thinking about hurting yourself or killing
yourself, please contact the Suicide Prevention Lifeline online or at 1-800-273-8255.
7. Write down the positives that have come from this change.
Maybe due to this change in your life you have met new people. Maybe you started practicing
healthier habits. Maybe you became more politically active. Maybe you became more assertive.
Maybe the change helped you prioritize what is most important in your life. Change presents us
with the opportunity to grow, and it's important to acknowledge how things have become
better as a result.
8. Get proactive.
Being proactive means taking charge and working preventatively. This means you figure out
what steps you need to take before something happens. Being reactive means you wait until
something has happened and then you take action. Being proactive means you make an
appointment with your doctor for a physical because you know something stressful is coming
up and you want to make sure you are in good health. It means becoming active with groups
that help you realize that you can make a positive impact on the world.
Provided as support for the course “Game Changers: Gaming Skills and the Workplace”
Article: 10 Ways to Cope With Big Changes
And finally, give yourself a break. In a time of change, you may feel a little out of control. You
may feel like you are not living up to your expectations for yourself. Remember that you are
allowed to do less than what is humanly possible. Nothing says you have to function at 100
percent all the time. People make mistakes—it's one of the great things about being human. It's
learning from the mistakes that really counts. Think about it like this: There are no mistakes,
only good stories for later. Make a point to incorporate more laughter and fun into your life.
Laughing increases dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins—and that makes you feel good (Yim,
2016). Laughing also decreases cortisol—a stress-producing hormone (Yim, 2016.)
Sarkis, Dr. S. (2017, January 19). 10 Ways to Cope With Big Changes. Psychology Today.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/here-there-and-everywhere/201701/10-ways-cope-big-
changes
Provided as support for the course “Game Changers: Gaming Skills and the Workplace”