Coping with change
Following Queen Elizabeth II’s death last week we are, as a country, going through a time of very significant change. The Queen has been a backdrop to most of our lives; on our stamps, our coins, her speeches at Christmas and during Covid and the recent Jubilee celebrations. Alongside this we have a new Prime Minister which brings with it more change.
Personal changes
The biggest changes can be life shattering. The death of someone close to you is one of the toughest things you may experience. A relationship breakdown, diagnosis of an illness or a redundancy can also also be overwhelming.
But changes come in all sorts of shapes and sizes and sometimes smaller changes can be disorientating and difficult to process.
September marks the start of a new academic year. Children start school, change school, leave to go to university and these natural progressions can cause difficulties for both children and parents. These may be desired and looked forward to changes but every change represents a loss of some sort. A child going to school is beginning, slowly, to develop their own life outside the family home. A young person going to university may not return to live full time in the parental home. Even positive changes can have a downside.
Helping yourself through a period of change
If you are currently going through a time of change be gentle with yourself. It sounds a cliche to talk about giving yourself time but it’s a cliche for a reason. You need time to absorb the reality of the new situation, to process it and to build your life around the new circumstances.
If you know a significant change is on the horizon for you (perhaps retirement or a child leaving home) you may want to plan ahead to give yourself things to look forward to and to adapt to the new situation.
Keeping things normal; maintain your routine
It’s really helpful to stick to a comforting routine when times are difficult. Going to bed at the same time and having a good night time routine can be helpful to optimise your chances for good sleep. Taking regular exercise will help you physically and mentally. Looking after yourself with nourishing meals will also support you. Treat yourself kindly and gently if you can.
Soothing yourself
What activities soothe you the most and help you feel calm? For some this may be exercise or something energetic. For others it may be time with good friends, and for others it may be time alone perhaps writing down their thoughts or doing some arts or crafts. It’s worth thinking about what helps you feel calm and building some time for this into your day.
Time to reflect
Sometimes people don’t want to think about change. But it’s important to recognise the feelings you may have even if they are uncomfortable. Talking to a trusted friend or journalling may help you express how you are feeling.
How hypnotherapy can help you
Hypnosis allows your brain valuable time to process and catch up with some of the changes you have been dealing with in a safe and relaxing way. To find out more about how hypnotherapy can support you through change please click here or to get in touch to arrange a time for a free no obligation phone call please click here.