It seems like for many of us this year, we’ve gone through some major transitions in our life. For some it’s moving to a new city or state, or starting a new position, and for others it might be a change in a relationship or the loss of one. A life transition can be something that is planned or unexpected, and can have a positive or unpleasant effect on us. 

With any transition, it introduces change into our life. And with change, we can always expect to experience a range of feelings (anxiety, fear, confusion, self-doubt, anger, frustration). We are often very resistant to change because most of us experience safety through predictability and certainty in our everyday lives. So transitions often make us feel very vulnerable.

Transitions in our life are opportunities to reflect about ourselves and what we really want out of life. This reflection can create a a new sense of renewal, stability, equilibrium and bring out a new way of relating to ourselves. Learning to cope with transitions in a way that is purposeful is critical for our personal self-growth.

10 helpful strategies to cope with life transitions

Life transitions are often difficult but they provide a unique opportunity. Take time to assess the direction you are taking in your life. Reflect on what quality within you is being trialed at this time and what might you need to develop, grow and learn in order to overcome this? 

With all that is going on around you, turn inward to stay grounded. Engage in a daily routine that keeps you grounded and helps you feel safe (i.e. yoga in the morning, meditation, going on a walk in the evening, breathwork, dancing/movement). Establishing a routing can help you adjust to a transition and facilitate a sense of consistency.

Take a deep breath. Remind yourself that you can take it slow and easy

Identify and express your feelings. Acknowledge the feelings that this change is bringing up for you. Write them down or talk them through with someone whose word you deeply trust. 

Take care of yourself. Transitions are stressful. Find something to do for yourself each day that brings joy, rest, or play. Get plenty of rest, exercise, and eat well. 

Check your self-talk. What are the things you are saying to yourself? Is this self-talk helpful or unhelpful? Become more aware about how you are talking to yourself during this time and shift towards talk that actually does help you and motivate you through this transition.

Build out your support system. Connect with others and reach out to close friends or family, especially those who you feel safe with and will encourage you to express your true feelings. You can see how you can build a support system by connecting with a new community group, joining a church, or starting a new class to meet others. Lastly, a time of transition is also an excellent time to seek the support of a mental health professional so that they can guide you through the transition process in a safe and supportive environment. 

Practice self-compassion. You might already be going through alot. Offer yourself some gentleness and kindness as you learn to navigate this transition. Offer a compassionate statement to yourself every morning your wake up or before going to bed. 

Acknowledge what you are leaving in the past. This is the first step to accept what is new in your life. Think about about you have typically responded to endings in your life- do you avoid, drag them out, or refuse to let yourself feel sad? Acknowledge and let go of what has passed, and welcome the new. 

Take it one step at a time. Break big tasks into smaller more manageable steps. Write it down and cross off each step as you accomplish it. 

Life transitions offer an opportunity for us to update how we view ourselves and explore what direction we want to go in our life. When things feels like they are unpredictable or in disarray, reflect on your vision and what you hope to be like coming out of this transition. No matter how fearful they might be, may we handle transitions in our life as doors that are opened before us on our path towards our highest self.