5 Tips To Navigate Life’s Transitions

Life transitions are significant shifts that we experience as we move through life. Some transitions are planned and tend to evoke positive emotions, for example, going to college, marriage, or childbirth. Despite their positive connotation, these transitions can also generate anxiety and stress. Other transitions, such as changes in one’s health status or relationship status, loss of a job, or loss of a loved one, are often unexpected and can be more challenging to navigate.

Transitions disrupt our norm, our comfort zone, and may require us to adjust our coping mechanisms. Techniques which once worked to manage stress may need revised. Often, transitions challenge our sense of identity. The result can be negative impacts to our physical and mental well-being, to include anxiety, depression, and somatic ailments.   

It is important to remember that while we all undergo transitions, everyone has a unique experience. That said, the effectiveness of interventions can vary and individuals undergoing transition should experiment with different techniques to find the best fit. Some suggestions for intervention include:

1)    Notice, name, and validate your emotions:  This is an important first step in honoring your experience.

2)    Practice positive self-talk and self-care: Be compassionate with yourself and engage in activities such as exercise, mindfulness, and enjoyable hobbies. Speak kind words to yourself (Hint: Google “positive affirmations”).

3)    Seek the support of others.

4)    Focus on the things you can control: Transitions bring uncertainty, and uncertainty breeds anxiety. If we remember to focus on those things we can control, we can feel empowered to move forward.

5)    Embrace change: Difficult as it may be in the moment, remember that growth is on the other side. As Alan Watts says, “The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.”

If you need additional help, remember that counseling offers a safe and empathetic space to process your unique feelings and receive validation. Counseling can also help you to set realistic expectations and goals for this period of life and can assist you in finding effective coping strategies.

The Counseling Collective can help support you through life transitions.  The mental health therapists at our office also offer counseling for a variety of issues including trauma using EMDR, depression, anxiety, grief, and couples counseling. We work with kids, teens, adults, and couples. We also offer online counseling services which can be great for people with busy schedules or for people who live in parts of Pennsylvania with limited counseling options. You can check out our website to see the full list of counseling services that we offer. Or, Schedule An Appointment here.