Ah, spring. A time of year filled with blooming plants, outdoor activities, and change. As your semester draws to a close, you might be anticipating a move, an internship or job, some new summer classes, and inevitably, some goodbyes. And if you’re graduating, you might be feeling the finality of each of these experiences as you prepare to venture into the next chapter of your life.
Transition and change can feel exhilarating as you look forward to what’s next in your life. Change can also cause you to feel anxious and upset as you begin to consider potential challenges or uncertainties. Some people welcome change with open arms, while others approach it with hesitation. And many feel a mix of both. Life transitions can elicit a host of seemingly opposing emotions, like sadness and excitement, or eagerness and reluctance.
Change is difficult for most people. Being human means that you are probably a creature of habit. Having to change your daily routine or way of life requires you to lean into places that are unfamiliar and sometimes scary. Fear of the unknown is a common response to impending change.
On the other hand, as Jesse M., a second-year medical student at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, says, “Stepping out of your routine is also a chance for a fresh start and to change some habits, too.”
In a recent Student Health 101 survey, respondents indicated they are anticipating multiple changes in their lives, including:
When these same students were asked how they feel about the coming changes, they responded with a variety of emotions, including:
Transitions can be stressful, in ways that feel both great and challenging. The people who move through changes most successfully have learned how to persevere and withstand stress.
As you make your way through various times of transition, you’ll build resiliency. Despite the discomfort these changes might cause, they are necessary for building personal strength.
The companion Web site to the 2009 Nova/WGBH film This Emotional Life explains that psychologists have identified a number of factors that may enhance your ability to adapt to transition and change:
So how do you cultivate these qualities? Here are some ideas:
Keep in mind that most people will accomplish some of these and not others. Building resilience is a process, which means you always have the capacity to enhance and further develop your abilities.
Imagine yourself in your new job, apartment, locale, or moving back in with your family. You are inevitably going to have some moments of, “Oh my goodness! What have I gotten myself into?”
Try to recognize when change is causing you to feel unsettled and find an activity that addresses some of those feelings, like yoga, meditation, or journaling.
Taking on new challenges can also be invigorating. Amy is on the verge of graduating and moving across the country. She sees the upcoming change as a limitless opportunity. “There will only be a few times in my life when anything is possible, and I need to relish this moment,” she says.
Over time, the conflicting feelings will ease. As you become more familiar with your surroundings and successfully navigate some new experiences, you’ll gain confidence and start enjoying the many new elements of your life.
It’s essential to take care of yourself during this stressful time. Some suggestions for doing so include exercising regularly, continuing to pursue your hobbies and other interests, and spending time with family and friends.
Learning to gracefully navigate life transitions will both build your resilience and confirm that you’ve had it all along.
AMBER HARDING is a recent graduate of Thompson Rivers University Journalism program.
Here are some strategies for taking on new challenges:
