Life is constantly changing, and yet we are never truly taught the proper way on managing life transitions. These transitions are when any type of change occurs in our life. An example of this is when we are 18 as an emerging adult and must figure out how to thrive and survive on our own. This can also be when we become first time parents and must learn how to care for a human being that depends on us for survival and care. These transitions can also occur when we face things such as the COVID-19 pandemic or losing close loved ones.
Whether they are good or bad transitions, life transitions are never easy. Sometimes we may feel our whole world is being flipped upside down. Transitions can lead to more positive things, helps us find our identity, helps us to define our role, and where we want to be in life. We are constantly faced with roadblocks or detours in life. These can cause a great amount of stress in our lives. If you are someone who struggles with managing life transitions, below are a few tips on how to better manage your life transitions.
Types of pivotal moments in our life
- Emerging adulthood/moving out on your own
- Getting married
- Becoming a parent
- Losing or changing jobs
- Loss of a loved one
- Buying your first house
- Becoming an empty nester
- Retiring
Life transitions can cause
- Stress
- Sleep disturbance
- Depression
- Mood Disorders
- Anger
- Guilt
- Lack of energy
- Trouble with identity or purpose
Steps to managing life transitions
- Prepare for what is to come
If we can look back at how we may have handled previous life transitions, this can help us prepare for future ones. We can also prepare by becoming more in tune with ourselves, our emotions, and how we handle stressful situations.
- Be realistic about the transition
No matter how much we want things to go well and be prepared, we must be realistic in all situations because we do not have complete control over anything. If we have a more realistic mindset, we can be more prepared for any circumstance.
- Set achievable short-term or even small goals
We cannot be sure of what will happen next year or even next month, but we can create small or short-term goals that are more achievable to help us now, that will add up to much larger goals over time.
- Take time to be with loved ones and friends
Some of us may be distracted by work, success, or money, but when certain transitions occur, we may feel guilt for the time we did not spend with those we love. Do not hesitate when it comes to spending time and effort around the people that will be there through all your life transitions and support you along the way.
- Incorporate self-care daily
We must learn to fall in love with self-care and all it has to offer us on our overall well-being. During life transitions we tend to forget to care for ourselves and our needs. This is when transitions become even more difficult, so take the time for yourself each day!
- Understand and appreciate change
Change is not always a bad thing. Sometimes we become too comfortable where we are at that when transitions occur, we are not prepared. We must see change as a good thing because this means that we are evolving and growing.
- Create a support network you can lean on
We are not meant to face all situations life throws at us alone. It is important to have a support network of those we can lean on for support. This can be family, friends, a support group, or even a counselor.
When we do not have the proper tools to managing life transitions it can become overwhelming and may even diminish our mental and physical health. This can cause stress, which in turn causes anxiety and even depression. Change is never easy, but we must be prepared to manage these changes and transitions the best way that we can.
Know that you are not alone and there are people that you can lean on for support. If you struggle finding a support network, reach out to a trained therapist for help. There are also many community resources and support groups that may be beneficial to you. Take things one day at a time and take care of your mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.
