Being resilient is hard in the face of rapid and abrupt change especially when the dramatic changes are unexpected and out of your immediate control. Resisting change expends a tremendous amount of energy and can be debilitating. It can be mentally draining and ultimately have serious physical consequences if we can’t adapt and accept change in a more positive mindset.

Let’s put things into prospective. Change actually happens every day. Most changes are small and don’t impact us directly but change is something that humans have to deal with constantly. Weather changes, traffic interruptions or unexpected delays, and the effects of aging impact us every day and for the most part, we deal well with them. In other cases, change can overwhelm us and it can bring on more unintended consequences. So, what can you do to deal with change?

ActionCOACH have a formula for change that is taught to business owners worldwide to help them adapt and deal with change. The formula is (D x V) + FS > R; Dissatisfaction times Vision + First Steps is greater than Resistance.  The fundamental points made is that in order to continue to grow and succeed, overcoming the negative aspects of change is critical. We can apply this formula to help us cope and deal with change.  ActionCOACH stresses that shifting your mindset and dealing with change proactively and positively is the foundation to long-term success.

Here are some ways to adjust personally and professionally.

Acknowledging change is the first step

First, you have to accept that change is indeed happening. Come to turns with the big picture, but that doesn’t mean you have to take on all the ills of the entire world on your shoulders. Compartmentalise and break down the changes into manageable pieces. Acknowledging change is the first step.  That doesn’t mean you have to change everything at once but understanding that conditions are now different is a good step. Ultimately, taking the first steps toward accepting and adapting to change may not be based on data. You may have to make a ‘leap of faith’ but if you have a support system, mentor or advisers in place, dealing with change might be easier.

Keep routines you can in place

Consistency is often challenged in times of great change. Routines and patterns are a way to reduce stress in many and keeping as much of your day-to-day activities unchanged as possible. Keep the time you get up the same, making beds, and dressing for work are all routines you can maintain to help ease some stress. Even if your work life has been altered and you are now working from home remotely, keep behaving and preparing yourself for your daily responsibilities to keep you focused and effective. It may be time to set new goals or perhaps to alter the way or the methodology how you achieve your goals, keep in mind, dramatic change doesn’t mean abandoning your goals all together.

Take care of yourself

It is paramount that your take care of your physical and mental health during times of crisis and sweeping change. That means eating healthy, getting enough sleep and continuing exercise are even more important during stressful times. If you have an exercise regime, keep it going. If you don’t regularly exercise, this may the time to start. Consider meditation, yoga and low impact exercise to keep you as healthy as possible. Keep moving, to keep moving forward.

Communicate & Ask for help

Isolation and social distancing can also lead to added stress in your life. It is important that you communicate your feelings and find someone to confide in. Find support from a professional and seek someone who you trust and who you can talk to about your uncertainty in a candid open way.

Focus on the Positive & Be Grateful

While change can bring negative outcomes, often positive and unaccepted upsides can result. Take time to consider the positive situations and circumstances that might happen due to the changes. More time with immediate family; more time to complete items on your to-do lists, more time to get organised; and or time to do something you have been putting off. Focusing on positives can help keep you from fixating on the negatives. Have gratitude and when possible share your positive attitude with others. Smile, be kind and simply being respectful, can go along way to defusing the stress from change.

Unplug & Decompress

Being informed and staying current with the most up-to-date news is important and if knowledge gives you solace, then give yourself times to gather the information you need to feel more comfortable. But there is a point of diminishing returns. Too much news, too many stories and a continual bombardment of data can increase stress and angst. Know your limits. Take time to unplug and change your perspective. Watch a favourite film, re-read a classic book or listen to your favourite music to give you some respite from the news.

Additional stress can come from those around you who are resistant to change. Some within your inner circle may be scared and their focus on negative outcomes can keep you from making necessary changes. So, unplugging or tapping into other sources who may be dealing with change in a proactive and positive way is important.

This isn’t a comprehensive list of ways to deal with change or how to mitigate the impacts of change. Every person deals with change differently, and the more equipped you are the more positive the outcome. Everyone has to find ways to adapt and handle change in their lives in order to keep moving forward.