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Sign on a T-shirt: "Change is good -- You start." That's as good an indication as any that
many of us tend to resist change, even though we know it is good for us. A good number of us
are comfortable with the known and uncomfortable with the unknown.
Some, however, seek change and welcome its challenges. They
have discovered some strategies that make it easier to cope with
change.
Following are tips to help you cope with change. They may
seem basic, but are vitally important in helping make change a
more positive experience.
- Develop support relationships at work and home. People
with friends on whom they can rely during stressful times
experience fewer negative effects of the stress change can bring.
They also remain healthier, are more successful and live longer.
- Examine your work environment. If possible, change what
you don't like about your work environment or accept what you
can't change. If you can do neither, then it's time for the big
change: A change of jobs. When beginning a new job, re-examine
the old. What worked that you would like to take to a new job?
What should be left behind?
- Take care of yourself. Eat a balanced diet, exercise, get
enough rest. Take time to relax with friends and family. Enjoy
your hobbies. Listen to your body. If you don't think these
suggestions are important, look around at others who aren't using
them. You'll soon discover how just how important these basic
wellness tips are.
- Build self-esteem. There is only one you. You have special
talents and interests. List what you like about yourself and note
your special talents. Also, list what you appreciate about family
and friends. Tell them and make them feel good, too.
- Be open and flexible. Knowing that change can happen at
any time helps you accept an adjust when it occurs. Most people
are eager to settle into comfortable routines. Realize that your
present routine may only be temporary.
- Keep your "sunny side" up. The old song went something
like, "Accent the positive and eliminate the negative. keep on
the sunny side of life." A positive attitude helps you feel good
about yourself, goes a long way toward improving your health and
helps you deal with changes that come along.
- Take control of your life. What can you do now that will
help you cope with the changes in your life? Make a list of
options. What are the positive and negative outcomes of each
choice. Practice finding the good in each of life's changes. It's
not what happens to you that causes you to be happy or
unhappiness; it's how you react to what happens. Your reaction
governs the outcome. Take charge of your thoughts and actions.
- Use resources available to you. Resources include self-help
publications, support groups, friends, money, loving family
members, special talents, good health, time and a positive
attitude. All of these resources and more can help when you're
facing a change. Learn to recognize and use them.
For more information about positive ways to deal with
change, contact Gale Loeffler at the Colorado State University
Extension office in Arapahoe County, Colorado, phone:
(303) 730-1920 or e-mail address: arapahoe@coop.ext.colostate.edu, or contact your local
Colorado State University Extension office.
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