How to prepare for a transition back to normal life
“The only thing that is constant is change” - Heraclitus
Transition is the internal process that happens inside our mind when presented with change; a letting go of how things used to be and reorienting to how they are now. This is a natural response that enables us to adapt to loss. The experience of this global pandemic is such a major life event that has inflicted loss of many types upon each of us.
The natural cycle of transition takes around 6 - 9 months, and understanding the time lag can help us understand that a current emotional crisis may not be the result of current events. In fact, the psychological impact of the pandemic, and any other major life event that happened during this time, may not truly affect you for some time.
The psychological impact of a major change may not truly affect you for sometime.
This can be puzzling and add to difficult emotions way down the line, when you wonder what the problem could be. The diagram below illustrates this process really well but also reminds us that as well as a response to change and loss there is also a transition process from more positive life events too, such as becoming a parent, getting married or getting a promotion or new job
How to manage change to be more adaptable
Identify yourself on the change curve. Adaptability is the capacity to spot a changing context and alter our mind-set to take account of what has happened and is likely to happen. By understanding the transition process and the psychological impact on your mind, and noting where you might be on the change curve, you are more able to recognise the barriers and biases that may be in the way of your chosen path. This self-awareness makes your mindset more flexible.
Be optimistic. At the end of one thing is always the beginning of something new and we can focus on loss, or the new avenues that unfold…..as one door closes, another opens.
Trust in your own abilities. Over-thinking and listening to your inner critical voice is a hindsight bias that is unhelpful and damages self-esteem. Seek emotional support and help when you need to.
Be patient. Develop self-compassion when you feel frustrated or upset. Accepting your feelings allows them to move on, rather than getting stuck in a muddle.
Focus on what you can control. Solve the problems that you can and tackle what is in your influence, but accept the things that are out of your control and that you cannot solve. Let them go.
Be realistic. Don’t underestimate the difficult feelings that can suddenly arise during the change process.
A final word
Keep aware that change can happen quickly whilst transition occurs more slowly. Usually something new must be learned and something old must be un-learned, so the emotional dips (whether personal or professional) are inevitable, but the wisdom and resilience gained from the recovery process is a valuable part of life experience.