Managing personal change – Here’s how to do it
As a student, managing personal change can be a challenging task. Whether it’s transitioning to a new routine (post-graduation), dealing with a breakup, or adjusting to a new degree (for all of us who change degrees mid-semester), change can be overwhelming and stressful. However, we have several tips and strategies for whenever a 2020 happens in your life, these could potentially help you navigate through these changes and come out stronger on the other side.
Acknowledge and Accept the Change
The first step in managing personal change is to acknowledge and accept it. This can be difficult, especially if the change is unexpected or unwanted. However, denying or resisting the change will only make it more difficult to cope with. By acknowledging and accepting the change, you can begin to move forward and find ways to adapt. Remember that; acceptance isn’t giving in to the situation – it’s merely coming to terms with the way things are currently set up. It’s a big W if you ask us!
Seek Support
One thing about change? It’s the tumbleweed town that we all grew up watching. Change can be lonely, and you must try to seek support from friends, family, or a trusted mentor. Talking to someone about the change can help you process your emotions and gain perspective. Additionally, seeking support can provide a sense of comfort and reassurance during a difficult time. Also, try not to think ‘If they loved me they would know what I need’ – our loved ones are not mind readers, after all. And learn how to tell people if the support you’re getting isn’t the support you need. For example, your friends and family may want to wrap you up in cotton wool and do everything for you, but it can be an important part of your recovery to do things for yourself.
Set Realistic Goals
Setting realistic goals can help you regain a sense of control during a period of change. By focusing on small, achievable goals, you can always build confidence and momentum. This can be as simple as setting a plan to attend all of your classes for the week or taking a walk every day. By achieving these goals, you can feel a sense of accomplishment and progress. Pacing yourself may help you do more, rather than having a setback because you’ve done too much that you couldn’t probably control.
Practice Self-Care
During times of change, it’s important for you to practise self-care. This can include getting enough sleep, eating well, and engaging in activities that bring joy and relaxation. By taking care of yourself, you can reduce stress and anxiety, which can make it easier to manage the change. Manage stress by practising mindfulness, meditation, and relaxation techniques. You can also try visualising a time or place when you felt calm and happy. You can think about all the senses – what the temperature was like, what you could hear, what you could smell. The more you get used to doing this, the faster you can take yourself back to that place.
If you do this in combination with slowing down your breathing, it can be very effective. Preferably, if you’re not one with meditation in the form of absolute silence; get a Cotton on candle (try Mr Price for the dupe), put a face mask on, and try listening to Msaki’s healing melodies – the world is your oyster!
Embrace the Opportunity
Finally, you should try to embrace the opportunity that comes with change. While change can be difficult, it can also be an opportunity for growth and learning. By embracing the change and looking for ways to learn from it, you can always come out stronger and more resilient. Because we have no control over change, we must attempt to keep our heads afloat and softly seep into the newer habits that change brings. This enables us to grow and exposes capabilities, skills, and expertise we didn’t realise we possessed but had within us all along.
“What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Stronger” comes to mind here. We are stronger and more resilient than we know or give ourselves credit for. It is only when we overcome seemingly overwhelming challenges that we learn what we are made of.
Here’s a little bop to get you through the winds of change: Kabza De Small – Khusela (Official Audio) feat. Msaki
Do you perhaps need a change of scenery? Or a place that makes you feel like you’re free to express yourself? Look no further, we’ve got you! Come to the place where home and art meet! Howzit Hilda is the perfect space to not only express yourself but to cap a great experience while you save those coins.
