Dealing with change
We all experience change throughout our lives. Some changes we might experience are:
- starting a new school or class
- changes in our friendship groups
- moving house
- having a new brother or sister
- losing something or someone important to us
Video – Advice on coping with change
Wellbeing professional, Lorna Walker, gives us some advice about coping with uncertainty during a time of change.
Change is something that we all experience. You might have a change in your home life or maybe things change in your friendships or at school.
We all have different reactions to change. Sometimes it can feel scary. Sometimes it can feel exciting.
When you experience change and things feel uncertain. It is helpful to think about what is supporting you in this moment.
Let's start with the smallest things: the chair, the oxygen in the air…
Then think about some of the other things that support you, that make you feel at ease.
Maybe being with your friends, your pet, running, dancing, having a bath.
And even if you're not doing those things right now. Just thinking about them can help us feel calm and in a safer, more comfortable state.
Spending some time thinking about all those things which support us, can make us feel more relaxed.
You might even want to write your list down so you can always go back to it when things feel uncertain.
So when you feel like there are things changing, remember that however you feel right now, it won't last forever.
Take the time to notice all the things that are here supporting you right now.
Activity – Think about what supports you
Try Lorna's practical wellbeing activity to help you deal with changes.
If you are struggling or worried about changes in your life, it might be helpful to think about what is supporting you in this moment while things feel uncertain.
Can you write a list of five things that support you?
Here are some ideas to get you started:
- The oxygen in the air
- The chair you're sitting on
- Access to food and water
- Having fun with friends
- Reading a good book
- Watching your favourite TV programme
When things seem challenging, can you go back to your list and remember all the things that are supporting you through this period of change?
They might remind you that not everything is changing and that there are many things you can rely on.
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