5 Ways to Remain Calm During Times of Change
If there is certainty in anything right now, it is that things are still changing all around us… and with this being true, then why don’t we focus on ways to ease the discomfort we feel surrounding change? Although not easy or ideal, we might as well learn some valuable skills while we are experiencing these changes.
Here are 5 ways to remain calm during times of change and transformation:
Focus on what you can control. Grab a pen & paper, put a line down the middle and on one side write down all of the things you are upset about that you can’t control. Then, write down everything you CAN control. The power lies in this column. Focus your energy on the list of things you are able to control. It is a waste of time to put blame on or complain about the things you cannot control. Turn those complaints into actions and you can work on what IS within your control. Move your attention back to your “can control” list whenever you find yourself frustrated or overwhelmed.
Create a loose structure to your days. Many of us used to live and die by our planners and calendars. Now, it seems that as soon as you mark it on your calendar, your next thought is inevitably “unless it gets cancelled”... The structure is sometimes comforting, even for kids. We feel a sense of peace when we know what is happening next. So instead of locked in dates and appointments, ask: what could a loose structure look like? Is it certain activities that happen consistently each day, just in a different order, time, or location? What could this look like for you?
Know your non-negotiables and build them into a flexible routine. There is a ton of value in knowing what you absolutely need each day. Things like meals, water, movement, nature, etc. It will vary by person. Maybe your non-negotiable is connection- time with loved ones. Others might feel they need time in silence alone. Being self aware about your needs is crucial right now. If you don’t know where to start, keep a notebook next to you all day and record how you feel at different moments and with different activities. Build your minimum requirements into a flexible routine that can be altered as the changes arise.
Center yourself often. This can be a daily intention, a 5 minute guided meditation on an app, or writing down 3 things you are grateful for. Getting out into nature is a great way to ground and center too. Never underestimate the power of going outside, even for just a few minutes. Fresh air is medicine for the soul.
When it feels like you can’t handle more change, ask yourself, “what is the worst that can happen?” Getting that out of the way and allowing the worst possible outcome to surface helps dissipate the angst of bracing yourself from it. Talk it out or write it out and keep asking yourself, “...and then what?” until your worries have all bubbled up and out. Know that all the anxiety about the negative that might happen, was all in your imagination at this point. Now, use that powerful creativity for good. Move your attention and actions toward the best case scenario within your control and watch the positive outcomes become your reality.
While all of the change may not be enjoyable, there is power in remaining calm through it. Bringing yourself back into the present moment can alleviate discomfort and uncertainty. Try to take solace in the fact that we are learning resiliency, which will benefit us for the rest of our lives.
