Change is natural as we grow older. Some changes, like entering retirement, allow you to spend more time pursuing hobbies and connecting with people you care about. Other changes, like the loss of a spouse or a serious medical diagnosis, are not as easy to navigate. However, there are some ways you can successfully manage change, regardless of the circumstances. Keep reading to learn how to overcome change and continue to live a rewarding life.
Step 1: Acknowledge the Change
All too often we rush past the step of acknowledging change and how it makes us feel. It’s far too easy to jump into action without processing our emotions, but oftentimes the best path forward is to stop and evaluate your mental state. Consider your own needs, alongside the needs of anyone directly impacted by the present event you are experiencing. Take a few deep breaths and accept that things will be different.
Step 2: Seek Professional Guidance
You shouldn’t ever feel like you have to navigate the financial, emotional, and physical repercussions of a major life event alone. Depending on the situation, you may find a need to consult a financial advisor, healthcare professional, therapist, and/or legal expert.
No one should feel hesitant about seeking outside help if they’re struggling.
Step 3: Assess the New Reality
Once you’ve reflected on your current situation and considered outside help, you can further assess your new reality. What do you need to happen in order for you and whoever else is affected by the change to live the best life possible, given the news you have received?
Consider your financial, physical, and emotional needs as they relate to your situation.
Financial Aspects
No matter how financially prepared you think you are, a sudden change in your health or your life situation can also bring unexpected expenses and financial uncertainty. When something upends your life, you should revisit your finances and determine any adjustments you need to make. Possible actions may include changing investment strategies or downsizing your home.
If you have a financial advisor, schedule a time to meet and discuss your new situation and what the best path forward might be. Don’t make any sudden decisions until you’ve evaluated your options.
Emotional Aspects
How does the change you are experiencing make you feel emotionally? The sudden loss of a loved one or an unexpected medical diagnosis may require a visit to a therapist or other licensed professional who can help you sort through and process your emotions. Other events, like a divorce later in life, may take longer to work through.
You shouldn’t ever feel like you have to navigate your emotions alone.
Physical Aspects
When you experience a sudden shift in the way you go about your day, it can impact your physical health and your emotional well-being. You may notice it takes more energy to get yourself motivated to get outside and be active. Give yourself freedom to have an occasional rest day for your body and mind to recharge, but don’t stray too far from activity for too long.
Even getting outside for a walk or two each day if you are able can support your well-being.
Step 4: Emphasize Self-Care
While self-care won’t resolve intense emotional or physical issues, it’s still important to make time for yourself. Whether you need alone time to attend a yoga class or you decide to book a spa day to take a break from caring for a loved one, these moments can help you find relief and recharge.
Self-care can also include things like making time for socialization and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your immediate needs first, then continue planning for the future.
Step 5: Adapt and Plan
Once you have given yourself time to adequately process the change, you can begin to develop a flexible plan that accommodates your new way of living. Write down the things that bring you joy and build time for those things into your days and weeks.
Note that as we grow older, community living is oftentimes a positive change for people. It creates opportunities to be more active and social, while freeing up time to pursue interests. Plus, you’ll benefit from downsizing to your new home. Doing so allows you to create an environment more in tune with you life now.
Live Your Best Life at Friendship Village of Bloomington
Your best protection against life’s unexpected challenges is to ensure you have the proper support network in place and a secure plan for the future. At Friendship Village of Bloomington, a senior living community in Bloomington, Minnesota, you’ll be part of a community of supportive residents. Everyday with us, you enjoy exceptional service from a village of people-focused team members. The environment is focused on helping you life your best life on your terms. Explore new hobbies or share those you already love as part of a full calendar of social options available. You’ll also have direct access to compassionate on-site care at your community if you so need it.
Contact us, or complete the form below, to learn more about life at Friendship Village of Bloomington.
