A huge subject that is often brought to life coaches, is how to overcome the various challenges that transition presents.
Change and transition is a big part of life whatever age you are.
Managing it well and looking after yourself during it can be difficult.
I joke sometimes that it feels like I’ve lived many lives and am just starting another one. This is often how transition makes us feel. Our routine, where we live, who we spend a lot of time with, what we do, all changes for us many times over when transition happens.
How we deal with all these many different seasons in our life, is important. Each transition leads us into different priorities, and different challenges. Shifting into a new season, and change, is hard. Staying at peace, getting used to the change, and transitioning gracefully from one season to the next is a bit of an art.
My recent few years of being 50+, have been dominated with things I never anticipated I’d had to face. Caring for an elderly parent for years and years then going through selecting care homes and selling and cleaning out a family home.
Some transition is thrust upon us, we don’t plan it or necessarily choose it. It could be loss of a job, or relationship or added responsibility for a loved one. Other transitions we initiate and very much embrace, excitedly. Both types of change are difficult, but in different ways.
Here are 6 tips to remind us how to take care of ourselves during transitions, whether it’s a big transition or a less life impacting one.
These tips are based on my personal experiences of what has worked well for me, and what my clients have also found helpful:
TIP 1 – Respect transition
It’s huge! It requires a huge amount of mental space and emotional space. When you are going through a transition, don’t downplay it. That doesn’t do you or anyone else any favors. Instead of dismissing it, as ‘no big deal’, acknowledge it as a big thing! Transition needs to be respected and given time and space, mentally, emotionally and physically.
TIP 2 – Give yourself permission to slow down other areas of life and work.
Big transitions will slow down progress in other areas most times. Guess what, that’s ok! Expect it and be ok with it. Workwise give employees permission to slow down other projects. Move goal timelines back in other areas. Be quick to expect this for yourself and others.
TIP 3 – Be kind to yourself.
Ask yourself; What do I need? Is it space? How can I be extra kind to myself? A break away? Time with replenishing and nourishing friends?
How can I be kind to my employees? Offer time off? Some treats? or Offer them coaching with an outside coach? (I, Tina, am available!)
TIP 4 – Process the change.
Think about how you can do this. Maybe journalling or speaking to others? Honouring your emotions is vital for your well-being. Give yourself time to find them, acknowledge them and feel them. You may need to feel grief or sadness. Inevitably any transition means leaving something, losing someone. Not taking time to feel these feelings can lead to depression now or later.
TIp 5 – Learn your lessons.
Ask yourself; What have I learned through this season that’s ending, about myself and those I love? What decisions do I want to make about my future because of what I now know? Different experiences change our perceptions and therefore our desires and dreams about what’s important for our future. Coaching is a great way of allowing people to process the change and what it means for them. Going through a thorough process of coaching will build confidence to move forward and it will maximise your growth and development.
TIp 6 – Respect your body & heal your body from trauma.
Times of change can cause trauma. These times can put a physical pressure on us, as well as an emotional one. Ask yourself; What does my body need? Maybe rest or exercise? Maybe a personal trainer. Maybe the spa! As an employer, maybe offer subsidised or free gym membership or personal trainers. Get a deal with a spa for employees, under the well-being budget, recognising that big changes can cause stress.
What tips can you share which help you through transitions?
What has helped you in the past?
I would love to hear your comments.