During the Fall here at Libero, our theme is “New Beginnings“. With any new beginning, there is often a lot of change. Just as the leaves fall and the seasons change, Fall brings in life changes: back to school, post-graduation, moving away, starting a new job, etc.
We asked some of the Libero Contributors how they manage their mental health amidst seasons of change and here’s what they had to say:
Amy Carey:
“Maintain as much normalcy as possible.”
During seasons of change, I try to maintain as much normalcy as possible. While I don’t want to be rigid, it helps to keep some semblance of routine if I can.
I also give myself some grace when things get tough! I know that I may not be at my best during stressful times so I try to be extra kind and patient with myself.
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Elizabeth Burnham:
“I try to challenge my own negative thoughts.”
The changing season tends to create a heightened sense of anxiety in me, uprooting any stability or routine I established over the summer. To manage it, I try to challenge my own negative thoughts, to turn fear into hope and threat into opportunity.
When the anxiety tells me that I can’t or I won’t, I ask myself instead: “What if I can? What do I need to do to get me there? What can I do right now, this week, this month, and this year to reach my goals?” That way, the anxiety guides me forward rather than holding me back.
(Read more posts from Elizabeth)
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Lauren Bersaglio (@laurenbsag):
“Grounding myself and finding constants helps relieve change-related anxiety.”
When my life is getting uprooted (literally or figuratively) it’s often the change in routine and environment that affects me the hardest. In order to cope with changes in environment (moving away, travelling, etc.), I settle in and make a place feel like home as quickly as possible. I unpack, settle in, and claim my space. This goes a long way to making me feel settled and secure.
I also do what I can to either get back into my regular routine, or adapt to a new one. Routines are an important part of my mental health and can go a long way in supporting me through times of change. I get on a regular sleeping, eating, and exercise schedule, committing to it but also offering myself grace to deviate when things are out of my control.
I find that grounding myself and finding “constants” helps relieve change-related anxiety. This can be done with something as simple as visiting a chain restaurant or store I am familiar with (Starbucks is a great example of this) or watching a show that’s part of my regular viewing list or listening to familiar music.
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Sarah Van De Weert (@sarahvandeweert):
“I lean on friends and family to keep me accountable.”
During seasons of change, I do what works for me. I rely on my medications, my treatment team, the skills I learned in recovery, and a routine. I lean on friends and family to keep me accountable in my recovery, and I let them cheer me on during the hard days and weeks.
Eventually, change becomes my new normal and I am able to manage with less support.
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We hope you find these tips helpful. Most importantly, we hope you feel encouraged knowing you are not alone if you struggle with change.
Don’t forget to check out our articles on New Beginnings, and if you would like to join our team of contributors and be part of articles like this one, click here.
Feel free to Tweet to us (@libero_mag) with tips on how you handle change or tag us on Instagram (@liberomagazine)!
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