Ah, spring. A time of year filled with blooming plants, outdoor activities, and change. As your semester draws to a close, you might be anticipating a move, an internship or job, some new summer classes, and inevitably, some goodbyes. And if you’re graduating, you might be feeling the finality of each of these experiences as you prepare to venture into the next chapter of your life.
Transition and change can feel exhilarating, as you look forward to what’s next in your life. Change can also cause you to feel anxious and upset, as you begin to consider potential challenges or uncertainties. Some people welcome change with open arms, while others approach it with hesitation. And many feel a mix of both. Life transitions can elicit a host of seemingly opposing emotions, like sadness and excitement, or eagerness and reluctance.
Lindsey talks about how she adjusts to changes. (MP4, 04:06)
Change is difficult for most people. Being human means that you are probably a creature of habit. Having to change your daily routine or way of life requires you to lean into places that are unfamiliar and sometimes scary. Fear of the unknown is a common response to impending change.
On the other hand, as Jesse M., a a second-year medical student at the University of Manitoba in Winnepeg, says, “Stepping out of your routine is also a chance for a fresh start and to change some habits, too.”
In a recent Student Health 101 survey, respondents indicated anticipating multiple changes in their lives, including:
When these same students were asked how they feel about the coming changes, they responded with a variety of emotions, including:
Transitions can be stressful, in ways that feel both great and challenging. The people who move through changes most successfully have learned how to persevere and withstand stress.
As you make your way through various times of transition, you’ll build resiliency. What this means is that despite the discomfort these changes might cause, they are necessary for building personal strength.
Luke shares how he handles changes in his life. (MP4, 01:55)
The companion Web site to the 2009 Nova/WGBH film This Emotional Life explains that psychologists have identified a number of factors that may enhance your ability to adapt to transition and change:
So how do you cultivate these qualities? Here’s how:
Keep in mind that most people will accomplish some of these and not others. Building resilience is a process, which means you always have the capacity to enhance and further develop your abilities.
Rivly suggests her coping strategies during change. (MP4, 03:03)
Imagine yourself in your new job, apartment, locale, or moving back in with your family. You are inevitably going to have some moments of, “Oh my goodness! What have I gotten myself into?”
Lydia M., a student at the University of New Hampshire, recognizes when change is causing her to feel unsettled, and then does something about it. She explains, “I was away from home for an extended period of time during my freshman year of college. I took up yoga, first as strength training, but then it became more about relaxation and finding my own presence in the moment. This helped greatly with the stress of a new lifestyle.”
Taking on new challenges can also be invigorating. Anna C., a senior at Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa, says, “Changes are opportunities. They are easier to handle if you think about them as exciting and helpful.”
Over time, the conflicting feelings will ease. As you become more familiar with your surroundings and successfully navigate some new experiences, you’ll gain confidence and start enjoying the many new elements of your life.
Julie Rost, a yoga instructor in Exeter, New Hampshire, says, “What is now will change, is changing, is changed all in one moment.” Indeed, change is the only constant. Learning to gracefully navigate life transitions will both build your resilience and confirm that you’ve had it all along.
PETER WELCH, M.A.,works as a Wellness Educator/Counselor at the University of New Hampshire Health Center.
Here are some strategies for taking on new challenges:
