MENTAL HEALTH: How to cope with life’s curveballs

At one point or another, serious change has come knocking at all of our doors. Whether in our personal or professional lives, it can often seem to come out of nowhere and so its arrival can be somewhat shocking.
Adapting to change is difficult because it involves both emotional and practical challenges. It disrupts our comfort zones, creates uncertainty, and often forces us to reevaluate our sense of control, identity and abilities. Understanding why change is hard can help us to develop strategies to manage it better – strategies like staying open-minded, seeking support and embracing flexibility.
Firstly, you should acknowledge that change is inevitable and is a natural part of life. It’s less stressful when you accept that it’s going to happen, whether you like it or not.
Change your mindset to focus on what you can control. This means putting your energy into what you can influence instead of resisting or worrying about things you can’t change. Change often brings new challenges, but it also opens up opportunities for learning new skills, ideas and perspectives.

Familiarity bias
During times of change, remember that you don’t have to go it alone. Lean on friends, family, or colleagues for advice or emotional support.
If the change also affects others around you (family members or work colleagues, for example), communicate clearly and often to keep everyone aligned and reduce anxiety. Remember, if you’re feeling the effects, there is a high chance that someone else in your circle is feeling the exact same way.
Adapting to change can be difficult for several reasons. Humans tend to prefer familiarity and predictability because it provides us with a sense of control and security. Change introduces uncertainty, which can lead to anxiety and fear about what might happen next. People often worry about negative outcomes or failure, which can make them reluctant to embrace new situations. Over time, we build routines and habits that feel comfortable and safe. However, change disrupts these established patterns, requiring effort and adjustment.
Managing change effectively requires a combination of mental resilience, practical strategies, and emotional awareness. It is normal for change to bring up a mix of emotions, such as fear, excitement, anxiety, or sadness. It’s important to acknowledge and process these feelings rather than ignore them, so give yourself space to adapt emotionally. It’s natural to feel unsettled or overwhelmed at first.

Let go
In times of change, certain things will be beyond your control. So concentrate on aspects you can influence, like your reactions, attitudes and decisions. On the other hand, let go of the ‘uncontrollables’ and accept that some things may be out of your hands. Worrying about what you can’t control only increases stress.
Major changes don’t happen overnight, and adaptation takes time so please do be patient. Don’t rush the process or expect to be instantly comfortable with the new situation. Step back and take time to reflect on the changes and your progress to date.
Being open to change in the future involves adopting a flexible mindset and viewing it as an opportunity for growth rather than something to fear. To avoid panicking, focus on staying calm, accepting uncertainty and controlling what you can. Break changes down into manageable steps, take things one day at a time, and seek support when needed. By maintaining a positive outlook and staying prepared, you will be equipped to face future changes with confidence, instead of anxiety.

Sadhbh Dunne is a qualified life coach based in Westport. She is the founder of Ember Coaching (embercoaching.ie) and can be reached at sadhbh@embercoaching.ie.