How to Own Some of Life’s Most Exciting But Stressful Transitions.
Have you ever felt excited and anxious about a major life change? If so, you’re not alone. Some of the most rewarding transitions in life can be stressful, especially at first. Even amid the global pandemic, there is both excitement and uncertainty. Excitement for the end of the virus and for the new scientific discoveries that will surely arise and uncertainty about what, exactly, the future looks like post-pandemic.
Once you work through the stress and anxiety, however, the benefits can be so worthwhile. That’s why it can be helpful to have these tricks and tips that make dealing with stress a little easier.
Adopting a Furry Family Member
Bringing a new pet into your home can be exciting, but it can also be stressful! If you choose to adopt a rescue animal, helping him/her get used to a new home can be even more complicated. Oftentimes, rescue pets are in a bit of shock when you first bring them home, so it can take time for problematic behaviors to show up. That can cause some serious stress — especially if you’re a first-time pet owner — but also know that the stress of this transition can be temporary. With the right training and supplies, like an automatic cat feeder for scheduled feedings (some of which even feature companion apps), you can reduce stress for the both of you, and focus on the physical and mental health perks that come with owning a pet.
Moving to a Completely New City
Relocating to a new home, especially in a new city, can be a stressful life transition as well. In fact, studies consistently rank moving as one of life’s most straining events, so don’t be surprised if your own move has you feeling emotionally drained. It’s normal to have complicated feelings around a move, including frustration, sadness, and regret, but there are some steps you can take to reduce all of that emotional stress. You could treat yourself to a self-care box from La Pixie Wellness to help soothe tension during your big move, and a little extra self-care can provide relief from other complicated feelings as well. Exploring your new community is another effective method for decompressing and helping yourself settle in faster, so leave some time in your busy moving schedule to visit a local coffee shop and say “yes” to any and all invitations.
Switching to a Different Career
Are you moving to start a new career? That transition can be stressful as well, and successfully managing a career change can take some serious work. In the end, all of that effort and stress will be worth it, especially if you end up in a career that feels more fulfilling. People switch careers for all sorts of reasons, but the most common triggers for a major career shift include a need for more pay, a desire for more work-life balance, and a want for less stress. If you haven’t made any moves to start your new career, know that constantly feeling any of those could be a sign that you should switch soon. In addition to being happier and more financially stable, you could also end up reducing chronic stress. That can lead to major benefits for your overall well-being since chronic stress can cause insomnia, weight gain, and disease.
Moving on From Toxic Habits
Shifting into a new job can be one way to let go of toxic habits but you shouldn’t stop there. Although kicking unhealthy habits can be one of life’s most stressful battles, if you can overcome your most toxic routines and behaviors you are likely to feel much more content with your life. Whether you want to overcome an addiction or let go of volatile relationships, breaking bad habits can take time and can also require you to identify your triggers. Stress can be a major trigger when it comes to addiction and other unhealthy coping mechanisms, so taking steps to reduce your stress can help you break away from bad habits. Hanging out with your pet can be a perfect way to relieve tension but you can also try meditation, exercise, or journaling.
The best things in life usually require some effort. So, if you feel overwhelmed or stressed about an upcoming change, try to focus on the outcome instead of the steps needed to get there. Above all, take care of yourself and your mental health with some extra self-care and relaxation.
Written by Jennifer Scott