“The only constant in life is change”—the Greek philosopher Heraclitus was right. His worldview was based on the idea that chaos (change) and logos (order) always go together. But knowing this, how should we handle unexpected challenges in our personal and work lives?
Aline Hupert, psychologist and community manager, shares her favourite tools on how to stay "calm, cool and collected" during change below:
1. Focus on your body:
Did you know stilling your body happens more quick and easy than stilling your mind? So make sure to have enough movement and relaxation.
Examples:
- Start and finish your day with gentle stretching
- Take a few longer exhalations before a challenging conversation
- Go for a walk without phone
- Get a massage
2. Structure your day:
Change blurs boundaries, so having structure in time brings peace. For me that means starting and ending my day on my yoga mat.
Examples:
- Go to bed and wake up at the same time daily
- Have lunch (without screens)
- Make a note in the morning - what is really important today to finish?
3. Remind yourself:
Remind yourself of who you are, regardless of the changes taking place. What are your core values? A personal example: details (in whatever form) are very important to me.
Examples:
- Go do something typically "you" (passion/hobby)
- Write a Post-it note and hang it up that says , “Even in times of uncertainty, I am someone who…”
- Journal and reflect (use pen/paper) on who you are
4. Connect with others:
Your nervous system needs other people. Pay attention to and distinguish between the people with whom you feel safe and those with whom you don’t. You don’t have to carry this burden alone.
Examples:
- Share some of your challenges with a good friend
- Stay connected to your family
- Make new friends who share a hobby or passion
What's next?
Staying in control during a transition is one thing. Guiding an entire team through change is quite another.
In our latest webinar on leadership in times of change, we explore how you, as a leader, can project a sense of calm without glossing over reality, and how you can keep your team engaged when the ground is shifting beneath your feet.
Watch the webinar replay here.
Have you noticed that change initiatives within your organization are putting more pressure on people than expected? We’d be happy to work with you to develop an approach that goes beyond isolated initiatives. Schedule a meeting using the button below.
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