Thank you once again to Julie Morris, recurring guest blogger, for sharing tips for coping with and overcoming three common life challenges and stressors. I love being able to share different ideas and perspectives here.
Life is constantly changing. Of course, some changes are more serious and drastic than others – and more difficult. If you’re trying to cope with a transitional period, there are some tips from Resiliency Mental Health that you can use to withstand any change.
Handling a Career Change
No matter how long you worked in the same career, any change can feel overwhelming. Whether taking a job in a new industry, attending school to increase your opportunities, or starting your own business, changing careers is a major life change. Remember to care for yourself during the process. Before changing careers, do plenty of research. Consider your interests, skills, and hobbies before you launch into a new venture. Remind yourself that changing your career is not a failure. Many people choose to change their careers multiple times throughout their lives.
If your career change involves starting your own business, ensure you know how you want to structure it. LLCs, for example, have various benefits, including limited liability, less paperwork, flexibility, and tax advantages. You can form an LLC on your own or use a formation service. Both options help avoid the high cost of hiring a lawyer. When forming your LLC, look into specific state laws. Every state has its own laws regarding LLCs.
Once you have your business set up, the next step is marketing. These days, much is made of advertising via social media – and for good reason – but don’t forget about old-fashioned approaches like business cards, we can still be extremely effective. If you’re looking for pre-made templates, here’s a possible solution to get you started. And best of all, it’s free!
Living With the Death of a Loved One
The loss of a loved one can be difficult to process. Give yourself time to process the loss and to accept the changes to your life that are about to happen with the person’s passing. When it comes to grief, reach out to your support system as much as possible. Remind yourself of friends, family, and other loved ones as you cope with the loss. Be patient with yourself as you go through the various phases of grief.
Starting a New Family
Growing a family can feel like a hopeful, exciting new beginning but can also be overwhelming. Your responsibilities are about to grow, but that does not mean you cannot prepare for them. Remember to take time for yourself when it comes to family planning. Set up a routine that brings you comfort and boosts your health. Set aside time every week for exercise and mindfulness. Experts explain that you feel healthier and happier when you engage in physical activity.
Starting a family sometimes means it’s time to start buying a new home. Before you begin shopping around, check your credit score. Your credit score will help creditors determine if you are trustworthy to lend to. You can also look into various programs that help first-time buyers. A real estate agent can help you find homes within your budget and that you can realistically afford. If you can just barely afford a house, you may want to look into more affordable options so that you have money saved in case of emergencies or home repairs.
Life changes can sometimes mean good things are coming, and while others may be more upsetting, if you know how to care for yourself during times of stress, you can handle any change and acclimate to it. If you plan to buy a home during any life change, ensure you are well-prepared to handle it.
Resiliency Mental Health offers worksheets, articles, classes, and other resources for therapists, counselors, social workers, psychologists, teachers, parents, and organizers who are doing their best during this trying time. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out!