What to do if change feels stressful

- If you've had a lot of change thrown at you, especially big changes or rapid changes, it's natural to feel a little disconcerted, or a lot. After all, you had a picture of reality that you thought was reliable and that you could count on, and now that's changed, sometimes in ways that are ambiguous or you're just not sure how it's going to play out over time. As humans, we like certainty and it's unsettling when the picture has been knocked out of focus. So here are four ways you can step back and master your emotions if you're feeling upset by change. First, get very clear on what you can and can't control. Part of what can be challenging about change is that you feel like everything is spinning and you're being done to rather than doing. So take control. There are plenty of things you and I can't control: the economy, long-term trends in your industry, or geopolitical forces, let's say. But there's plenty you can control, whether it's working to reduce your stress level by exercising or taking a walk, or making a point to praise your team for their hard work in order to help create a positive environment for them. Second, in the moment, change can feel all consuming, but you can often reduce the emotional turmoil by taking a step back and asking, "How will I feel about this in a year or in 10 years?" Right now, it might be enormously frustrating to have a project canceled or to be told you're reporting to a new manager, but a year from now, in most cases, you'll have adjusted just fine. So remind yourself of that now. Next, think about times you've been resilient In the past. Dealing with change isn't exactly new for any of us. You probably had new teachers every year of grade school, or you went off to college or started a new job and you navigated those milestones successfully. You have the skills and you can apply them here to handle whatever change is thrown at you. Finally, plenty maybe changing but not everything is. You can keep things in perspective by reminding yourself that certain things are staying the same, so you're not being asked to adapt to everything all at once. Maybe you have to work on an urgent new project, but you're doing it with your team that you know and love. Or maybe you have a new manager, but you'll still continue to work on projects in your sweet spot. Focus on what's staying the same to remind yourself you can anchor on the knowns to help you get through the unknowns. By following these strategies, you can make yourself more resilient and adaptable, even if you're feeling upset by all the change.