by Keith Milligan

Consider the old adage that the only constant is change. One would think, after 2.5 million years, that people would be comfortable with change. Part of the reason we may not be is because human beings are creatures of habit. For example, many of us regularly enjoy our morning coffee and walk the same way to class everyday. We may engage in routines to facilitate and maintain a sense of stability in our invariably changing environment. In this sense, change implies uncertainty (commonly viewed as negative), which can often leave people stressed and uneasy.

We all face significant life transitions. For instance, many of you probably remember moving from your comfortable high school routine to college. What was it like for you? How we think about and deal with change are important factors in our well being during difficult transitions. Often, we spend more time ignoring and rejecting change than it would take to actually change. Below I offer some ways to cope with life transitions.

First, assess the situation (i.e. truthfully ask how great an impact this change will have on your life). If the change will make a significant impact, plan a course of action. Forming an action plan helps you to feel more in control of your life and can significantly reduce the discomfort of uncertainty. Furthermore, ask others for help. Often those close to us will be willing to help us when we need them most.

Second, stay flexible. It’s going to take time to adjust to a new routine so bear with it. Try to stay focused and view changing in a positive light.

Third, work on your thinking. How we think about change can have an enormous effect on how we feel. As mentioned before, change often carries a negative connotation and when we think negatively, we feel negatively. Instead, think of change as positive in that it helps us reach our goals–when one opportunity ends, another begins. You might miss this if you spend too much time focusing on lost opportunities.

Fourth, learn to deal with stress through living a healthy life. Change will mostly likely cause stress, so having strategies to deal with it is essential. Stay away from fatty foods, alcohol and tobacco. Instead, eat healthy and stay active (e.g. studies show that exercise increases energy and relieves tension). Unwind by learning relaxation techniques or doing yoga.

Fifth, talk about change. Talking allows us to make sense of the change and quell common fears we may have. You can talk to friends, family or a counselor on campus for support during your transition.

Many of you will be facing life transitions in the next two weeks. For seniors, you will journey down a new road. Bear in mind that change is a normal part of living (it’s not an affliction or an impossible problem to solve). Remind yourself that you have encountered, worked through and survived many major transitions in your life. You will survive this one as well. Good luck!

The intent of this series of articles is not to provide counseling but to provide information about mental health and wellness topics. To seek help with your individual concerns, please contact Rider University Counseling Services at Lawrenceville (609-896-5157) or Princeton (609-921-7100 x8275) to schedule an appointment.