The fall season is full of change. The weather finally starts to cool down (thank goodness). The leaves slowly change from green to brilliant hues of reds, oranges, and yellows. And unless you live in Arizona or Hawaii (fun fact- they are the only two states who don’t observe daylight saving time), the time even changes (BTW – don’t forget to set your clocks back on November 7th). While I LOVE fall for its cool, crisp, air, beautiful colors, pumpkin spice scents, corn mazes, comfy, cozy attire, apple cider, and ALL things Halloween, I don’t love change.
I know I’m not alone. Our brains LOVE certainty. And not only do our brains dislike change but they are also hardwired to resist it. In fact, the amygdala within the brain interprets change as a threat and signals your body to release stress hormones that trigger the fight, flight, freeze, or fawn response. Your brain and body work together to protect you from change. While I appreciate my brain’s propensity to keep me safe from danger, living in a constant state of physiological distress due to the numerous changes we must face in this rapidly evolving world, is not healthy long term. To better manage change, we must change the way we approach it.
Here Are A Few Tips I’ve Discovered To Better Manage Change When It Comes Knocking:
- Remind yourself that change is going to happen. Resisting change will only make it more stressful. As renowned Swiss psychiatrist, Carl Jung said, “Whatever you resist persists.”
- No really! Step away from the electronics, find someplace to sit (hide in the bathroom if needed), set a timer for two minutes, and just focus on your breathing. Giving your brain even just two minutes to rest can work miracles.
- Organize something. Take a 10–15-minute break to organize your books or the desk drawer that has been driving you crazy. Restoring some order in your physical space will help you feel less stressed.
- Ask yourself, What’s the worst thing that could happen? Once you’ve pondered your worst-case scenario, ask yourself, What’s the best thing that could happen? Let your answers marinate and consider that what will happen probably lies somewhere in between the two scenarios.
- Embrace wellness. Eat healthy, exercise, and sleep. For your brain and body to help you cope with whatever change comes knocking, they must be well taken care of.
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