You’ve heard the cliche, “The only constant in life is change.” Whether the changes are positive or negative, they can still cause stress.
Let’s explore some positive ways to handle the stress of change, then go a little deeper on the subject of stress itself.
5 Ways to Cope with the Stress of Change
Everyone experiences stress differently. Therefore, everyone needs individual methods for coping with major life changes. To get you started on the path toward better stress management, here are a few practical ideas.
1. Support your body.
Stress affects both your mind and body. So, you need to bring both physical and mental health practices into your stress management routine. Support your body through the stress of change with a daily dose of CBD, and make time for exercise. Studies have shown that exercise can significantly reduce stress, which can increase your capacity to confidently make decisions during the life events and changes you’re facing.
2. Learn how to quiet your mind.
Reducing stress during life changes begins with intercepting thoughts that can heighten your nervousness. Mindfulness, exercise, and journaling are just a few ways to quiet your busy mind and can give you the skills you need to approach each moment with clarity.
3. Direct your energy toward something else.
Distractions feel like a curse when you need to be productive. But if you’re dealing with life changes that cause stress, positive distractions can be a lifeline. When you’re having these feelings, choose an active distraction that can take your mind off the situation. Go for a walk in nature, get lost in a good book, or pick up a hands-on DIY project to give your brain something more productive to focus on.
4. Rely on the people you trust.
You’re not meant to go through life alone! Your friends and family can provide a support network as you navigate the stress of change. Don’t be afraid to reach out to people around you or call a friend or family member who lives far away to chat. Spending time in conversation with someone you trust can help lessen feelings of isolation or panic amid stressful events.
5. Adjust your expectations.
You’re only human, and it’s totally normal (and healthy!) for your body and mind to feel stressed when significant life changes happen. Telling yourself to “snap out of it” or shaming yourself for feeling this way can pull you into a vicious cycle of even more nervousness. So remind yourself daily that stress amid change is normal, and you’re doing the best you can.
Why Are Major Life Changes Stressful?
When you think of a major life change, what comes to mind? The death of someone close to you? Losing your job? An illness? These can all be traumatic experiences, particularly when they’re unexpected. Impactful events like these often bring fear, uncertainty, and feelings that you lack control in your life — all of which can translate directly into mental and physical stress.
But positive life changes can cause stress, too, and that's normal! Both traumatic events and positive changes trigger similar stress reactions in your body and mind. Even during an exciting, positive life change, it’s normal to find your mind racing with questions about the future.
Life Changes That Cause Stress: How They Affect You
Stress is often considered a mental health issue, but in reality, it’s a whole-body health concern. Your body and mind are inextricably linked, and change can often trigger your body’s stress response (also commonly called the “fight or flight” response).
When you’re under acute stress, you may experience an elevated heart rate and increased adrenaline levels. These responses are normal and expected, but if your body is constantly in this “fight or flight” mode, the adverse effects can start to pile up and lead to chronic stress.
Chronic stress doesn’t happen overnight, but many don’t realize they're dealing with it until they've already carried the burden for a long time. Here are a few signs that your body may be in a state of extreme stress:
- Tossing and turning all night
- Heightened feelings of nervousness
- Extreme irritability
- Unexplained headaches or body aches
- Fatigue or constant exhaustion
Do any of those sound familiar? Even if you’re already living with a significant amount of stress from recent life changes, it’s not too late to implement stress management techniques to improve your quality of life and everyday mindset.
The Stress of Change: How Green Roads Can Help
Change is a part of life, and even good change can bring stress with it. Whether you’re already deep into a season of change or you have major life adjustments looming on the horizon, Green Roads can help you jump-start your stress management routine so you can take them on with confidence. Shop Green Roads stress support products today and see why thousands of our customers give our products five-star reviews.