It’s not easy to adapt to change. Some changes are exciting and fun, but often they are scary and uncomfortable. Understanding change and adapting to it can be both a psychological and physical process, depending on your situation.

Adapting to change is crucial, though, as it helps alleviate stress. Studies have shown 25% of our happiness depends on how well we manage stress. That’s a large portion of our happiness that we can directly control! We’re here to help you along this journey toward adapting to change.

1. Take some time to process.

It’s normal and okay to be upset, nervous, or angry about changes. Take time to acknowledge your feelings and react to this change truly. Just avoid lashing out at coworkers, your boss, friends, or family members due to your conflicted feelings. Don’t push down your emotions or ignore them, because they will build up over time and lead to an explosion later down the line. Don’t wallow in your grief or fear. Instead, take a few moments to register what’s happening and how you feel.

2. Understand the cause of the change.

Sometimes changes are random, and you’re forced to go with the flow, and you can’t stop and ask questions. Other times, however, it’s possible to take a step back and assess the situation in a healthy, objective way. Ask yourself, “What is the reasoning behind this change or this decision?” Even if you don’t like the answer, it can still feel good to acknowledge the why behind the shift that’s causing you distress. 

Take a minute to look at the situation from a different point of view. Talk to yourself! Walk yourself through the cause of the change. Example: “Even though I don’t like this change in managerial staff, it does make sense from a business standpoint. Although I preferred having Frank as my manager, Tammy is better equipped to handle our team due to her experience and tenure. I am apprehensive about this change, but I understand why it occurred.”  

3. Tackle the problem with an action plan.

Nothing will get accomplished if you don’t take action. If you’re facing a change, whether it’s personal or professional, it’s a good idea to come up with a specific action plan that gives you a little more control over the situation. Adapting to a change is easier if you have concrete goals or an action plan in place to kick things off. 

4. Talk about it.

Change is hard on everyone, so don’t be afraid to discuss the situation and have an open dialogue with a trusted confidante. Open up to a friend, family member, therapist, neighbor — whoever you trust and can count on! Communication is key, and talking about something can help you process a situation or adapt to a change. 

JB Partners invites you to join the SMaRT Club! You fight stress every day of your life—and pushing yourself to face that fight, day after day, only adds to your stress. 

Check out our Enterprise Solutions, which includes a resource library packed with daily doses of actionable items, videos, quizzes, numbers, and inspiration to transform a “meh” moment into a fantastic feeling! 

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