Unwanted change is part of life, and stressful. Although moderate stress can motivate, high stress may trigger or exacerbate symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Being able to cope with change, and the disappointment that often accompanies it, helps diminish distress, and increases the likelihood of turning disappointment into opportunity.
Four Steps
Here is a quartet of steps, suggested by Deepak Chopra, M.D., that have helped individuals successfully manage disappointment and uninvited change. Following them may instill the habit of addressing difficulty and displeasure constructively, and with minimal anxiety.
1. Do Things That Help You Thrive
Pull your attention away from numbing activities such as withdrawing socially, filling-up on junk food, or spacing out in front of gaming or TV screens. These activities lower anxiety for a while, but are harmful in the long run.
People feel more in control of their lives when they eat well, are physical active, spend time in nature, pursue personal interests, get plenty of shuteye, and enjoy the company of family and friends.
2. Let The Rational Mind Assist You
Whether emotions are running high or low, we can utilize the power of our rational mind by strategizing our next move.
Find paper and pencil, enjoy a few deep, relaxing breaths, and then answer a question: Is this a difficulty that requires fixing, being put up with, or is it one to walk away from?
Responding to this question can dispel the fog in a stress-clouded mind, dampen impulsivity, and prevent us from relying on old and ineffective habits. Since thinking rationally when anxious is difficult, you might respond to the question as if for a friend or acquaintance.
Begin by brainstorming a fix—jot down five ways you might address the issue. If you hit upon a workable solution, use it.
If a suitable solution is not found, consider living with the problem—at least temporarily. If exercising patience and putting up with the situation is the best choice, choosing to do so puts you back in driver’s seat. Write down your reasons for picking this option.
However, if there is no doable fix and living with things as they are is too stressful, then take charge by choosing to walk away.
3. Find Sources of Empathy
Those who have made it through difficult times are often happy to give others support and encouragement. Sincere empathy and excellent recommendations can come from people who experienced problems similar to yours. Ask around, look in local or online support groups, or check out online forums and blogs to find supporters.
4. Your Greatest Resources Lie Within
Engage in meditation, reflection, contemplation, relaxation techniques, prayer, or spend time in nature—whatever helps you to utilize the insight, inspiration, and creativity within yourself.
Keeping awareness at the level of our difficulties we tend to get lost in repetitive thinking, old habits, and inaction. Being attentive to our higher or deeper self (or muse, soul, spirit, intuition, inspiration) we minimize anxiety, feel more positive, and are better able to envision a way forward.
Source: chopra
Photo credit: anton petukhov
