Whether you are experiencing shock, frustration or fear, all these emotions are totally valid and warranted at this time. However, in order to adapt to this new reality, it is important to build resilience rather than resistance.
Resistance to change is a normal human reaction. You are not on your own. Ask yourself "What am I resisting during this time?" Is it the sudden change of routine/lifestyle? What we resist is often split into what we can and cannot control. Focus on the simple tasks that you can control at this present time and try to let go of what is out of your hands.
Check in with your emotions and feelings. Resilient people acknowledge difficult situations, keep calm and evaluate things rationally so they can make a plan and act. Everyone has different coping skills and resilience levels, don’t be too hard on yourself if you are finding things testing at the minute. Perhaps your “go to” method of coping has been taken away from you at present. These are not ordinary times but there are coping strategies that can help you get through this and help you adapt to change:
Take it one day at a time
Try not to think too far ahead. You don’t have to have it all figured out. Try your best to adjust and ease into your new ‘normal’ and remind yourself that life wont always be like this.
Connect and talk with others
Even though you may be physically distanced from others, reach out and speak to your friends and loved ones via a phone call/video call. Chances are they are feeling the same and a heart-warming conversation speaking to them can help lift your spirits. Talking about your feelings releases the burden and allows someone else to speak into that situation.
Choose thoughts that serve you
All beliefs are choices and thoughts we have created. If you think change is scary, hard or difficult, it will be. Given the circumstances, it is only natural that your mind would present these thoughts. Challenge these unwanted thoughts by changing your inner dialogue. E.g. “Yes, my daily life is different now, but I am managing as best I can”, “I am going to have a productive day by being proactive”. When you actively choose your perspective, you can rewire your thought process around change.
Rearrange your routine to suit your environment
Create a new routine that works for you and plan your day around it. Put pen to paper and jot down the tasks that you want to accomplish. Keep it simple and be flexible. Prioritise what is important to do but don’t put yourself under too much pressure to tick every box. You are only human, not a machine.
Practice patience
“Patience is a virtue” and in times like these it is important to breathe and have patience with yourself and others. In order to adapt, stay as calm as possible and persevere with trying new ways to create structure within your day.
Unwanted change is never easy, it takes time and optimism. By taking small positive actions each day, you will get there. We all will.
Annette Kelly x
We’ve joined forced with Wellness Expert Annette Kelly (Little Penny Thoughts) to help us through the days and nights and keep our mental health in check.