Change is hard.

Change causes anxiety.

Change is hard to accept.

Change is emotional.

Change is stressful, even if it’s positive change.

I am a planner and I love to know what to expect and when.

When something isn’t planned, it can spark a bit of anxiety in me.

This year in particular I’ve learned that you can’t plan some of life’s biggest events.

• Michael unexpectedly ended up in the hospital for a week
• We decided it was best to sell our first home and move
• I am leaving my current corporate job for a new career opportunity

None of that was planned and all of that caused immense anxiety at times. So I had to find ways to manage my emotions before they consumed me.

Here are my recommendations for dealing with anxiety:

Surround yourself with things that make you happy. 

This can be anything big or small! Is there a certain place that makes you happy? Go there. Are there people that make you happy? Be with them, often. Is there a movie that always makes you feel good? Watch it. If you are in a situation personally or professionally that isn’t making you happy, remove yourself. End the relationship, end the career. It’s scary. It’s hard. It’s emotional. But it’s necessary if it’s making you unhappy. You are in control of your actions, so leap into happiness by surrounding yourself with things, people, or places that make you happy.

Exercise.

I hear ya, it’s hard to commit to… But exercising releases ‘happy endorphins’ that you need. Don’t pressure yourself to run a 5k or take up crossfit. It doesn’t have to be intense or cost money. Grab a friend, grab your dog, or just grab your music and go for a walk. Walk off your anxiety. It won’t make your emotions go away but exercising will reduce the amount of energy your body has to enable anxiety. Not to mention, you’ll feel great about yourself after a good workout!

Know your limits.

It’s ok to say no! No to an upcoming girls night out, no to a dinner party, no to the next round of book club. When I am overwhelmed, taking on extra commitments can be a chore – even if they are meant to be fun. Knowing your limits is crucial to your own mental health. I’ve had to learn the hard way that there are times in your life where it’s ok to be selfish. You need to be selfish. You can’t be a good friend, partner, or coworker if you don’t put your own health and happiness first.

If you are going through change or your heart is telling you that change is needed. Embrace it. Let it play out. Manage your emotions throughout the process and let change be good. 

You got this.

Xo,

Celine Kaye