How to Manage Your Stress During Major Life Changes

“How to Manage Your Stress During Major Life Changes” is a collaborative post.

Whether you’re moving house, have experienced a loss, are feeling overwhelmed at work, or are going through something equally as challenging, it’s only natural to feel as though your stress levels are becoming untenable. When combining a major event with your everyday life obligations, you may even feel as though you’re on the brink of collapse.

Despite the significant overwhelm taking over every part of your life, it’s entirely possible to get on top of your stress levels and regain a sense of normalcy. Sometimes, regaining control just takes these approaches: 

Outsource As Much As Possible

The simple fact is that, sometimes, we just have too much on our plates. It’s time to leave some of it to the experts. For example, if you’re moving house, you might enter ‘move my stuff’ into a search engine and hire a moving company to take care of some of the process for you. If everyday mess, clutter, and chores are overwhelming you, hire a cleaner to ease your burden. The more you outsource, the smaller your burden, and the less stressed you may feel. 

Maintain Your Routine

When you’re in the midst of a major life change, it can feel as though nothing is familiar. You don’t have your usual routine, and you aren’t sure what to do with yourself. These situations highlight the importance of anchoring with routine. 

Keep a few of your daily habits consistent, such as a morning coffee on your porch, a lunchtime walk with a friend, or a good book in bed in the evening. Maintaining a few of your daily habits may provide the stability you desperately need as everything else changes. 

Practice Mindfulness

When you’re feeling incredibly overwhelmed, it can be hard to come back from the edge and feel like yourself again. However, you may be able to regulate your nervous system through mindfulness. 

Mindfulness is the practice of being entirely present in the moment. Notice your breathing, body sensations, feelings, and the environment around you. Acknowledge your thoughts and emotions as they come without labeling them as ‘good’ or ‘bad.’ As you feel them, observe them as passing thoughts and let them go, rather than getting stuck on them.   

While not everyone is comfortable trying something new to manage their stress, such as mindfulness, it’s a well-researched area. Studies show that mindfulness decreases the physiological markers of stress, including systolic blood pressure, cortisol, and heart rate. 

Practice Self-Care

When you have a lot on your plate, taking care of yourself is likely the last thing on your mind. You’re likely more focused on taking care of the people around you and trying to navigate a new situation. 

However, how you cope often depends on how you take care of your physical and emotional well-being. As hard as it can be, make time for self-care, like regular exercise and healthy eating. Avoid excessive screen time and alcohol. 

You may be experiencing an overwhelming life event, but it doesn’t have to be all-consuming. A few simple changes in everyday life, like outsourcing tasks, practicing self-care and mindfulness, and maintaining your routine as much as possible, may help you feel more in control and at ease during this challenging time.