Action Tip
Find solutions: You can shift into
a solution mindset by asking these
three key questions:- What are all the possible solutions to
this challenge? - Which will I try first?
- Do I need any additional support to
do this?
For example, maybe during your check-
in time you have noticed that you feel more
exhausted and less able to manage stress
at work and you have put on extra weight.
On reflection, you may realise that with
the start of winter and the cold and rainy
weather you’ve stopped exercising as much
as you would normally.
Once you are aware that the change
in weather has affected your exercise
routine and motivation, you could then
look at new solutions to get back into
winter exercise where you don’t need to
be outside. Maybe you could join a gym,
start an indoor sport such as swimming
or organise to exercise with a friend to
keep your motivation levels high.- Move past resistance
Just because you know something has
changed in your life doesn’t always make it
easy to accept. Resistance to change is not
an uncommon first response. Holding on
too tightly to how you like to live can make
responding to change much harder.
“Life is a series of natural and
spontaneous changes,” said Chinese
philosopher Lao Tzu. “Don’t resist them;
that only creates sorrow. Let reality be
reality. Let things flow naturally forward in
whatever way they like.”
Changing and moving past resistance
requires a sense of “expansion”. You can
expand by breathing into change, keeping
an open mind and strongly believing in your
ability to adapt.
Action Tips
Mindfulness breathing: When change feels
hard and you notice you’re resisting it, work
with your breath to switch off your stress
response and stay in a calm state of mind.
Taking 10 deep breaths is a great way to stay
grounded and open-minded.
Grieve: Not all change is easy to accept.
Responding to shifts in your life may mean
grieving for what was and also what you
may have expected would happen. Don’t be
afraid to “own” and share the loss and grief
attached to change.
Look for positives: Change is not always
permanent. Where you can, look for the
positives within the changes you have had
to make in your life, especially if they are
changes you were resisting.
Creative problem solving: Seek solutions
outside your own mind by talking with
trusted friends, family members or experts.
Remember, two brains are better than one.
Self-confidence: Amidst change and
uncertainty, it’s easy to forget your inner
resilience and strength. Remind yourself
of your inner strength by writing out the
biggest challenges you have faced and
moved through in life. Acknowledge and
celebrate your strength, resilience and
resourcefulness.- Protect your energy
Everything in life is so much harder when you
are tired; change can be exhausting! Taking
time to look after yourself and your body
will allow you to think clearly and creatively
and respond with confidence to the changes
happening in your life.
Action Tips
Find joy: What activities make you to feel
connected, inspired, energised and happy?
Make time for these each month (or even
better, weekly) to keep your “tank” full.
Connect: Studies have found that isolation
and loneliness are linked to a decline in
mental and physical health, so having good
support is important. Organise regular
catchups with the people in your life who
support you, allow you to be honest, make
you laugh and inspire you to move forward
in your life.
Ta ke c a re : Get good sleep, eat a healthy
balanced diet, rest your mind and move
your body. These four lifestyle decisions will
allow you brain and body to stay focused
and energised, ready to respond to whatever
unfolds in your life.
While change can be confronting,
change can also bring some incredible new
experiences, insights and opportunities into
your life. Be open to change. Listen to your
body and mind and embrace the shifting
nature of life, knowing you have what it takes
to respond and grow with change.
Jessica Lee is a neuro-wellbeing writer,
educator and owner of The Spark Eff ect. She
is passionate about sharing neuroscience-
based strategies to build resilience, lower
stress, fi nd solutions and increase health,
happiness, productivity and creativity. jessica@
thesparkeff ect.com.au +61 424 358 334 or
thesparkeff ect.com.au Photography^ GettyImages“Life is a series of natural
and spontaneous changes.
Don’t resist them; that only
creates sorrow. Let reality
be reality. Let things fl ow
naturally forward in
whatever way they like.”62 | wellbeing.com.au
mind
CHANGE