How do you manage when life is stormy?

How do you manage when life is stormy?

“You can't stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.” ― Jon Kabat-Zinn 

Sometimes life throws us a challenge that can make us feel completely overwhelmed. Big changes can be hard to deal with and may leave us feeling adrift and wondering whether we can cope.  

If you're facing an overwhelming challenge, you're not alone in finding it hard to know what to do for the best.

While there may not be a ‘magic solution’ to make the problem go away right now, you might find it comforting to know that there are some things you can do to help you weather the emotional storm until things settle again.

Here are three ways to stay afloat when life feels stormy:

Make room for your thoughts and feelings
You might find yourself feeling anxious, frustrated, sad, or even numb when significant life changes happen and this is completely normal and understandable. When people have these powerful thoughts and feelings they often worry about their ability to cope with what’s happening and this can add to the sense of struggle.

It’s important to take care of yourself during times of change and one way to do that is to acknowledge your thoughts and feelings.  

When life is difficult, take a moment each day to check in with yourself. Ask, "What am I feeling in my body? Where do I feel it", and “What thoughts are with me?” See if you can identify and acknowledge your thoughts, feelings and emotions without labelling them as positive or negative, or trying to change them.

By taking a moment each day to make room for your thoughts and feelings, you'll be more able to process what's happening and think about what you need to do (or not do).

Checking in with how you feel can help you to slow things down and feel less overwhelmed. It can also help you to have greater self-compassion as you acknowledge the impact the challenges are having on you.

Recognise the things you can change – and the things you can’t
Life changes often bring a great deal of uncertainties, which can fuel anxiety and create a sense of helplessness. While you can't control everything that happens, there are always aspects of your life where you can have influence.

When dealing with a difficult life change, think about the things related to your situation that are within your control. This might include making changes to your daily routine, how you interact with other people or small steps that can help you adapt to your current circumstances.

When you shift your attention to doing things in these areas instead of ruminating on what's out of your control, you'll begin to recognise that you have choices. This can boost your confidence in your ability to manage the change.

Adapting to life changes is a process that takes time. Be patient and compassionate with yourself as you navigate this transition.

Speak to someone who can help you weather the storm
When we face major changes in our lives, we can often feel isolated and like we have to cope on our own. It can be hard to feel like we're always leaning on friends or family for support – and sometimes those around us don’t always give us the help we need.

If you're finding change difficult, you can seek support. You don't have to face these challenges alone. Talking to someone about what's happening and how you feel can make a big difference when moving through difficult change.

I specialise in helping people deal with change and offer a free 30-minute introductory call to discuss how we can work together to help you navigate your way through the storm.

To find out more about working with me, please go to www.cathyeden.co.uk or schedule an appointment today.