A life transition is a significant change in life circumstances that causes us to re-evaluate our lives and make necessary adjustments. However, these changes can be difficult to manage, and we can experience a wide spectrum of uncomfortable emotions.
Some examples of life transitions include:
- Aging and retirement
- Residential and geographic location changes
- Rifts in relationships and/or family strife
- Health problems and medical treatments
- Loss of a loved one through death or divorce
- Caregiving requirements
Life’s transitions can be very stressful, but they also can be beneficial by enabling us to evaluate our lives and make needed adjustments. Change can help us discover who we all over again and do what we want in life. It can also help us grow into stronger, more resilient human beings.
While this sounds like a good thing, it is often difficult to stay positive and even-tempered during times of transition and change. We must actively work to maintain our health and wellbeing as we navigate the changes that are taking place around us.
Remember that you don’t have to go it alone. Navigating the uncertain landscape of change sometimes takes a professional to help guide you along. This is especially important for people who don’t handle change well for one reason or another.
A few other ways to cope with life transitions include:
- Limit making too many changes all at once
- Stay healthy by eating nutritious food, exercising regularly, and getting plenty of rest
- Take care of your mind, body, and spirit and take time to relax
There are resources available for those who are experiencing tough times. If you feel overwhelmed, confused, or distressed by your emotions, a therapist can help you work through the stress and other unwelcome emotions that life changes often cause.
