Looking After Yourself Through Changes
Hi lovely community 😊
I just wanted to share some gentle reminders and thoughts I've had recently about change and struggling with change!
Both big and small changes, like moving house, moving school or simply a change in your normal routine, can be so tricky to manage physically and mentally. But... you are definitely not alone in this and its soooo valid!
A few days ago, I actually moved to a different state by myself (so much change!) which is what got me thinking about this. I was worried that I wouldn't be able to settle in, that homesickness would get the better of me, that I wouldn't enjoy it and so many other things! A friend then told me that she read it can take around 4 weeks to settle in somewhere new, and at first it stressed me out even more but then turned into a really good reminder about how true it is... Adjusting to change is rarely quick and easy so what can I do to look after myself in the mean time?
This is what I came up with!
Reminders and Affirmations:
- I will be patient with myself, it will take time to adjust and its okay to feel distressed or upset, I will treat myself kindly.
- I can cope with this. (remind myself of some examples of when I have in the past)
- It's okay to take this one day, one step or even crawl at a time.
Strategies:
- Keeping things close that give you comfort during down time, think 5 senses e.g. candles, favourite soft or weighted blanket, music, movies, teddies (no shame, mine is right next to me as I write this!)
- Making a bingo card, list or scheduling little things you enjoy into each day (keep the self-care consistent 😉)
- Stay connected to people you love! Particularly unwanted changes can feel so isolating, remember the RO community is always here too
- Celebrate the little wins, writing down or taking photos of positive moments or things that have helped you feel calm can be uplifting to look back to when feeling down and a reminder of how far you've come
- ReachOut to services, communities, friends or professionals for a yarn or a vent. You are never alone.
I think that's all from me for now! What are some ways that you could or do take care of yourself when going through changes?
And if you are struggling with with this at the moment and feel comfortable, the community would love to give you some support below!
Take care 😊
Comments
Hey@selfcare101 !!
Firstly, congrats on your big move!! You're right, that's a massive change, but sounds super exciting too. Secondly, thank you so much for sharing this post, these affirmations and tips are so lovely and gentle. I'm someone who really struggles with coping with change, it makes me incredibly anxious, and I'm always quick to assume that I won't be capable of handling whatever the new change brings. It sounds like you're a little like this too, but you're so right that we're all capable of dealing with these hard things, especially if we make sure to take extra good care of ourselves in the meantime 💜.
One of my favourite self care practices when I'm going through change is leaning in to the familiar. When something new is happening it really helps if I can ground myself by engaging with or doing something familiar, that I know and love. A big fave for me is rewatching a comfort tv show (for me Friends or Grey's Anatomy!!), rereading a book, something like that! Helps me to remind myself that things in my life might change, but I'm still the same person really, I still love the same things and the same people, and everything rarely changes all at once!
Wishing you all the good vibes while you adjust to your exciting move!! We're all here for you 💕
Hey @selfcare101 ! 😊
Thank you for sharing such a thoughtful and reassuring post about change—it’s something so many of us struggle with, and your words are such a great reminder that it’s okay to take things slow. Moving to a different state by yourself is huge, and I really admire how self-aware and kind you’re being to yourself during the transition. The fact that you’re already thinking of ways to support yourself through this adjustment shows so much strength.
I love the strategies and affirmations you shared—especially the one about keeping comfort items close. I still have my childhood teddy, and honestly, it’s one of my biggest sources of comfort when I’m feeling overwhelmed! Something that has helped me through big changes in the past is creating little routines to build a sense of familiarity. Even if everything else feels different, having something small and consistent (like making the same tea every morning or listening to a favorite playlist before bed) helps me feel a bit more grounded.
Another thing that works for me is externalising my feelings through journaling or voice notes. Sometimes just getting the thoughts out of my head and into words makes them feel more manageable. I also try to remind myself that even though change can be scary, it can also bring new experiences and opportunities that I wouldn’t have had otherwise.
As for your question—when I’m going through changes, I take care of myself by allowing some structure in my day (so I don’t feel totally lost) but also leaving space for flexibility. I also try to set small, realistic goals that help me feel accomplished, even if it’s going for a walk or messaging a friend.
To anyone else struggling with change right now—you’re not alone, and it’s okay if it takes time to adjust. Be kind to yourself, celebrate the little wins, and reach out when you need support. We’ve got this! 💙😊
Hi @selfcare101,
Firstly, I want to acknowledge that moving to a new place, especially on your own, is a huge change, so it's completely natural to feel a bit overwhelmed or unsettled. With all of the ideas you've brainstormed I think you're doing an awesome job at this!
I also love the affirmation of patience with yourself, especially how you’ve underscored the importance of small steps and being compassionate towards yourself. 💛
For others navigating similar challenges, it might be helpful to put together a new routine to help establish some consistency throughout the day. Even small things, such as regularly having a cup of tea or going on a walk in the morning can be helpful. In addition to these, I also enjoy having a consistent bedtime routine, as it helps me wake up feeling refreshed and recharged for each day ahead.
I look forward to seeing the other member's perspectives in the comment section too! 😊
Hi @selfcare101
I just want to say, it's so lovely that you've been really proactive in recognising that you're going through a big change right now by moving to another state by yourself. It's excellent that you've highlighted reminders & affirmations and various strategies that could help you, while also providing this list for others 💜
Well done, I'm wishing you all the best and goodluck with settling in 🥳☺️
Hi,
This is beautifully written and will take some of these things on when I have changes in my life. I am certain people also need to hear these tips and strategies and congratulations on moving interstate by yourself.
A couple of other strategies I use is keeping a consistent morning and nighttime routine, it helps keep something stable in my life while I adjust to the changes. My second one is to keep moving, going for walks, to the gym doing something for me it at least helps with my mental state and these can help introduce you to new people as well.
Wishing you all the best settling in and you got this.
Hey there!
What a beautifully thoughtful and heartfelt message! Thank you so much for sharing these thoughts and personal experience on change. Moving to a new state is such a big step, and I can only imagine how overwhelming it must feel at times, but it’s incredible that you’re embracing it with such kindness towards yourself. Those affirmations you say to yourself are really powerful. It’s easy to forget that adjusting to change takes time, and we deserve to be patient with ourselves during the process!
I love all the strategies you have shared. It’s such a beautiful reminder that even the smallest acts of self-care, and celebrating the little wins can make all the difference. I moved to a new state to go to university a couple of years ago, and this was a huge and scary change for me. I think the most important thing I did was being kind on myself, and taking it one step at a time. And you're so right—feeling connected to others is key. I pushed myself out of my comfort zone to make friends and gain new relationships. Now at uni I have a beautiful group of friends who support me when I am feeling a bit homesick. I think it was also super important for me to maintain my usual routine, to help me sustain a bit of consistency in my life.
Wishing you all the best as you continue to settle in—take your time, and be kind to yourself. You’ve got this! 💛
Hi @selfcare101 thank you for this lovely post! Changes, no matter how big or small, can be difficult to navigate and sometimes we dwell on it so much that we forget to take care of ourselves. I can relate to having worries about not being able to settle in. When I first moved here in Australia, I was around 14-15 and that was the biggest change in my life. New people, new friends, new environment—adjusting wasn’t easy and it took some time but it definitely got better!
I love the reminders and affirmations that you wrote. Adjusting and coping take time, rushing it won’t make it better. I think the best way is to let yourself feel what you need to feel because it’s understandable and valid. And then think of ways that you can do to make adjusting easier for you.
I also agree with your strategies, they’re pretty much what I did when I just moved here. Especially keeping things that give you comfort close to you. Before I left, one of my friends back home wrote me little notes with instructions on when to open them (e.g., open the note when I’m feeling sad or when I’ve made a friend). It helped me so much to get through the adjusting phase because it brought me immense comfort and I always keep it close to me.
Anyway, congratulations on your move! It’s a massive change and great job for taking such a big leap despite your worries. How are you finding your new home right now? Are you liking it so far?
Sending you hugs and love! 🤗💙
