Change is part of life. But how do you react when a sudden change is forced on you? There’s probably no bigger teacher than loss.
Click start to play today’s Spell It where we have to face the ‘force’ of unexpected change that throws our plans out the window.
A loss can impact any part of existence, from our job and time, to our home and the life of a loved one. It could be a loss that you are responsible for, accidentally or not, or something that came out of the blue.
According to a June 2018 report in US-based psychology news website Psychology Today, there are a few ways you can overcome the inertia of the moment and get back to the regular push and pull of life:
1. Rest
Don’t make any quick decisions when faced with an unexpected change. You need time to wrap your head around it, get past your strong emotions, and think clearly. It’s worth doing something that has nothing to do with your sudden loss, like going for a massage, using a creative outlet like pottery or art, or indulging in your favourite ice cream.
2. Grieve
Something that was once valuable to you is now gone. The worst thing that you can do in this situation is bottle up your feelings – they’ll come out sooner or later. Instead, let your emotions flow and go through the pain to the other side. Use art, music, writing or just have a good ‘ol cry to help you grieve.
3. Get support
Call on friends and family to help you get through this difficult moment. Talking things out with someone can help you feel a lot better, and you may even get great advice on the next steps.
4. Don’t look back
Once you’re past the crest and crash of your grief, don’t look back and wonder about “what ifs”. Instead, take what you’ve learned from the situation and look ahead to see how you’ll move forward.
5. Focus on your goals
Meditating frequently or spending time in a calm, soothing space can still your mind and give you clarity of thought. This is ideal if you want to refocus on your next goal or purpose. Even if you take a different path to your objective, the end result will be the same.
6. Embrace gratitude
Occasionally, take time to count your blessings, and remember how far you’ve come. The change that was forced upon you – like the loss of a job – will start to look like an opportunity, as you learn new things, participate in new activities and engage in new experiences. Being grateful also helps you develop a positive attitude that you can carry with you onto your next endeavour.
7. Be present
Focusing on what you can do right now, rather than the opportunities missed and things left unsaid, makes all the difference. According to Psychology Today, thinking about what was lost in the past leads to depression, and worrying about what might happen in the future leads to anxiety. So, it’s best to focus on today, and work on the ‘now’.
Are these tips helpful? What do you think? Play today’s Spell It and tell us at games@gulfnews.com.
