5 Ways to Practice Self-Care During Life Transitions

Your twenties are a fun and totally tumultuous time. You’re figuring out (and maybe deciding) who you are and who you’d like to be. You are working on a career. You’re growing and changing. In a nutshell, you’re making some big decisions that will shape your future. There’s nothing to worry about! This is what your twenties are all about.

Throughout all these moments, you may face some big moments of transition. Transitions can be positive or negative. The most common element of a transition is that there are big changes coming that likely will change the trajectory of your life. Sometimes we choose these transitions, other times they’re chosen for us. The most common transitions you’ll probably face are: moving, finishing or starting school, a change in relationship status, a change in your job and sadly, the loss of someone close to you.

According to psychologists, there are two premises about transitions. One: That life changes are only as stressful as you make them. Two: There are many factors out there can cause and lead to change.

It’s what we already know, change is inevitable, it’s about how we face those changes that makes the difference. Transitions may not be easy but there are ways that you can take care of yourself as you face those transitions. You need to make sure that you are taking care of yourself holistically: your physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.

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5 Ways to Practice Self-Care During Life Transitions

1. Create or Maintain a Routine

The ideas below can all be brought under one critical banner: the need to create or maintain a routine. Whether you’re a Type A who prefers to have everything always organized or a Type B who lives life a little looser, a routine will provide a much needed anchor during the craziness of the transition.

A routine gives you something to return to, to look forward to and to be proud of. If you already have a routine, stick with it. If not, now is a great time to take that boxing class you’ve always been curious about. Was there a pottery class that caught your eye or a calligraphy class? Find a way to do those activities you’ve been meaning to do and learn about.

Related: How To Create a Meaningful Mindfulness Routine For Beginners

2. Talk to Someone

Notice that this idea is very open ended. This could be reaching out to a trusted friend and telling them what’s happening. You might be surprised that they went through something similar and are able to support you in new ways. Perhaps you’re close to your family and you can turn to them for support.

Depending on what you’re going through you may not feel comfortable sharing with your friends or family what is happening. In that case, if you’re able to, a transition is a great time to seek out professional help. Therapy is a great way to work through problems and issues in a safe space.

3. Practice Mindfulness

Being mindful isn’t a hippy concept, it’s a way of living that can genuinely make a big difference in your life. In times of transition, being able to be present and not worrying about the future is key. Of course that’s easier said that done, which is why incorporate mindfulness into your routine is a key way to achieve this.

Practicing mindfulness can mean meditation, getting more sleep or including yoga in your practice.

Another great way to practice mindfulness is bringing awareness to what you are grateful for. This could be as simple as writing a list of all the things you are grateful for at the end of the day or if you’re not sure where to start, Holly has a great guide on 7 Easy Ways To Become More Grateful This Year.

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4. Get Moving!

Physical activity is a great mood booster. Doctors say that moving just for 30 minutes a day is great for you.

This doesn’t mean it has to be an intensive spin class, unless you’re into that. It can be a yoga class, a boxing class or a walk outside for 30 minutes. In fact, research shows that just the act of going outside and into nature can have profound effects on our mood and health.

The gym is one way to make sure you’re moving. If you aren’t in the mood to go to the gym, workout from the comfort of your home. Not sure where to start? Jessica has thirteen tips on how you can get a gym level workout at home.

5. Attend an Event

As you build or continue your routine, you may get stuck in a rut with it. If this happens, bust out of that rut by going to an event. An event can be a girl’s night out to go see that blockbuster rom-com you’ve all been meaning to see.

Similarly, attending an event can also mean treating yourself to the ballet, opera or a local arts event in your neighborhood where you take in some live music at an open mic night. Also, if you’re really feeling adventurous, you might want to check out a Meetup for an event you haven’t done before. There are so many great community events available if you seek them out.

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It’s important to remember that everyone recharges their energy in different ways so you may find that some of the methods above work better for you than others.

Once you’ve become comfortable with the emotions of the moment, it is time to take care of yourself as you face down the changes and challenges that may come your way. Whatever the transition is, as you take care of yourself, you will help build your resilience to future issues and challenges.

What are some of the ways that you’ve used to get through big transitions and life changes?

And as a fun bonus, be sure to check out this 30 Day Self-Care Challenge! 

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