Why It’s Important To Embrace Change, Even When It Hurts

​If you’re averse to change, you’re not alone. Many people find themselves becoming anxious, sad, or depressed when a major life change occurs, either because there is a fear of the unknown or because a chapter of their life is ending before they were ready. Yet solace can be found if you choose to see the positive effects; even the most hurtful event--divorce, or a death in the family, for instance--can give you perspective and allow you to make changes in your life for the better.
 
Thinking of ways to boost your mental health, your living situation, or your physical health is far from selfish. These days, everyone is looking for a way to improve themselves in any way they can, whether it’s by reducing stress or simply getting more exercise. Take this major life event and turn it around; think about the best ways you can learn from it and apply some changes of your own, on your own terms.
 
Here are some tips to help you get started.
 
Get healthy
 
Sometimes, it takes the pain of losing a loved one--or watching them battle an illness that could have been prevented--to realize how important it is to take care of our bodies. Take this time to focus on eating a well-balanced diet, get daily exercise, cut out things that can contribute to diabetes and heart disease (such as a lot of refined sugars and red meat), and drink more water. Staying hydrated can help your body more than you may realize, especially during summer months. Remember that it’s okay to be emotional sometimes; don’t bottle up your feelings. Seek support from a friend or loved one or consider seeing a counselor if you need to talk.
 
Make a move work for you
 
Moving can be a stressful ordeal, especially if it’s coming right after a divorce or breakup. Going through such a painful event and then having to uproot your life can bring on anxiety and depression, so it’s important to think of it as a way to start over. If your home was cluttered before, look at the move as a way to begin fresh and get rid of anything you don’t need or which won’t be useful to you anymore. This may be a bit of a painful process if there are memories involved, but be patient with yourself and remember that it will allow you to take control over the next phase in your life. Plan ahead as much as possible, accept help from loved ones, support your children, and most of all, show yourself some compassion and flexibility as you embrace your next chapter. If you need help getting started with the cleaning and moving process, read Closetbox.com’s helpful tips.
 
Find your dream job
 
One of the most stressful life changes that can occur is the loss of a job, or a major change in your title or pay. This can be heartbreaking and can cause a drop in self-esteem as well as feelings of anger, resentment, and depression. You can take this opportunity, however, to look for your dream job or even start your own business. Try not to let a setback--no matter how big or small--affect the way you see your own possibilities.
 
Spend time with yourself
 
It can be hard to think about the next chapter of your life after your kids leave for college or after a major separation or divorce, but that’s precisely what you should do. Focus on yourself; take a class and learn something new, or get social in a different way, such as joining a club in your community. Try something you’ve always wanted to do and allow yourself to enjoy spending time alone for a change.
 
Big life changes can be painful, but they can also mean the beginning of something great. Think about the best ways you can improve your situation and start a new chapter. For more tips on how to move past a major life change in a healthy way, read on here.