Preparing for Transitions

By Laurie Hunter

August 19, 2017

Why should we prepare, ahead of time, for transitions such as changes in school, a new job, marriage, divorce, new baby, an empty nest, the loss of a loved one, or illness of a family member?

When we go through difficult transitions such as these, we may feel like our brain has been hijacked. So, if we’re not prepared to undergo these types of transitions, we may forget or deny ourselves of essentials. When we neglect ourselves of basic needs, it could lead to depression, anxiety, gaining or losing weight, or we could become frustrated and take it out on the people we love. However, if we prepare for transitions ahead of time, we can prevent these from happening.

So how can we prepare ourselves for difficult transitions?

Make a simple checklist of basics you need in order to sustain your health. Think about the kind of foods or drinks that can provide you with nutrients. Make sure you include antioxidants like vegetables, fruits, beans, organic teas and juice (http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/20-common-foods-most-antioxidants). Stress destroys our cells. Antioxidants latch on to damaged cells and get them out of our bodies. If they stay, they will accumulate and possibly mutate and reproduce. By having a checklist you can make certain you are getting the basics you require each day.

Add to your checklists some activities you must do in order to stay healthy during stressful times. Think about what will keep you healthy and lift your spirits? What combats stress for you? Is it nature, church, yoga, certain foods, teas, exercises, prayer, music, breathing exercises? Add it to your checklist. And then print it out.

Make a list of people and activities that can provide support or motivation. Think about positive forces and people who can push you through hard times. If we keep a list of family and friends that is visible and handy, we will be more likely to reach out when we need help. Even if we don’t reach out, it’s comforting to look at and know that we have a network of people who can help us out if we really need it.

Think about what you can do to help you stay motivated. Are there supportive items or services you can buy like athletic shoes, an office chair with lumbar support, a massage, or physical therapy?

Make a music playlist that can give you energy to do tasks that you’re likely to neglect. Housework, studying, exercise, are examples of important tasks that must be done. And if we don’t do them, we’ll suffer for it. We can listen to a playlist of music that can help us get out of a funk and lift our spirits.

Plan something special you can look forward to. Book it. Put it on the calendar. Post it on your fridge.

Touch the Earth. There is something grounding about being around nature, water, fire, gardens, fresh air, sunshine, and animals. If you don’t have the time or strength to leave your home to get out in nature, then go walk barefoot in the grass, or light a candle, or take an Epsom salt bath.

Help others with greater challenges than you have. Schedule it. Put it on the calendar.

Remember to be kind. When we’re hurting, it’s easy to not care about what we say. Try not to speak in clichés. Speak authentically and be genuine.

Most importantly, remember you’re not alone. We are all going through various transitions at different points in our lives. Let’s be there for each other.