5 Tips for a Healthy Transition
Experiencing stress during seasons of transition is a real occurrence. Just as the world transitions with the seasons, so do we. Maybe it’s a move from house A to house B or possibly a new baby was added to the mix of the family that brings feelings of anxiety. Transition might be a regular occurrence for your family with travel for work or cross country moves. But maybe it’s possible that it’s avoided at all costs in your home too and looks more like transitions out of telework and virtual schooling to the freedom accompanied with summertime. It’s no doubt that seasons of transition affect the physical body and most definitely the mental state. According to Hans Selye (“father of stress”) there are three stages of stress response: the alarm reaction, the resistance stage and exhaustion stage - each with their own physical, mental and emotional demands (1). Stress can affect energy levels, digestion and mood so while stress is common, there are many ways to shift gears and also maintain healthy practices. With the world around beginning to emerge like a butterfly from a cocoon and summer quickly approaching, let’s address 5 Tips for a Healthy Transition.
Keep a journal. Even if worry, fear or anxiety are parts of change, acknowledge those feelings by setting aside time to write out some deep thoughts. Ignoring or trying to stuff emotions will do nothing to push you forward on your journey. Writing them in a journal, spending only 5 minutes a day, will provide an opportunity to openly share and allow you the chance to look back “post-transition” to observe any growth that was made. It also brings inner fears to light and can, sometimes, cause them to fizzle in the face of reality.
Adjust movement habits. During seasons of cold weather or a worldwide pandemic, exercise might be confined to indoor quarters. Through seasons of transition, movement habits might shift or you might be tempted to forego them altogether, looking at them as non-essential. Being adaptable in your movement routines is key in maintaining good health within the body. Regular walks in fresh air can offer a fresh perspective and help the body detox. Light resistance training can keep the body strong, ready to move heavy boxes or prepare for extra demands the body will face in the new stages after the transition. Regular movement can promote better sleep too!
Water, water and more water. What easier way to maintain health during times of stress than by drinking water? According to studies, sipping hot water increases movement in the body with regards to digestion, detox and aids with healthy respiration. Compared to cold water, warm water transports toxins more quickly throughout the body (2). Experts recommend drinking 1/2 of your ideal body weight in ounces of room temperature water each day. Also, drinking 12 ounces of water, one half hour prior to a meal will buffer any stomach acid and aid in digesting some of the “not so nutritious” foods you might be tempted to eat during times of transition.
Balance logic and emotion. Sure, times of transition might be met with feelings of fear and anxiety, worry about what’s next but there is also a place for logic and a can-do attitude. Avoid distorted thinking by balancing the logistical steps of what is happening and the facts of the situation with positive emotions to help create balance. It’s not to say that unpleasant emotions aren’t surfacing but dwelling on them or the “what ifs” of the transition won’t benefit in the long run. Talk with a trusted friend who has transitioned through similar circumstances and see what support he/she might offer.
Time management. Taking regular breaks from thinking about the current changes may bring clarity. A few suggestions: Make time to check in with yourself and others regarding topics that don’t involve specifics of the transition. Although it might seem wasteful to not spend every waking moment on the upcoming transition, try reading a book, tuning in for a webinar or visiting a coffee shop to take your mind off the stressful events associated with change. By considering something other than the main event, it may encourage a sense of calm and provide the opportunity to return to the tasks at hand with a new outlook.
Whatever the appearance, don’t lose hope. Maintaining wellness throughout your season of transition IS possible.
References:
Colbert, D. (2008). Stress less. Lake Mary, Fl.: Siloam.
Douillard, J. (2017). Eat Wheat. New York City, New York: Morgan James Publishing.