It’s a new job, your first date or maybe a decision to move. Many life events, whether minor or major, can cause a twinge of anxiety.

What is anxiety? It’s that feeling when your heart races, thoughts bouncing off the walls, tongue tied, sweaty, confused or even worried. We have all been there more times than we can count.

The misconception: Anxiety is often associated with a mental health disorder.

The truth: On the contrary, each person experiences some degree of anxious feelings in different situations which is normal. Anxiety is not just about the negative. You can feel anxious while anticipating something positive like the birth of a child, a friend visiting or a promotion.

Change is inevitable.

No matter how much you try to anticipate the next step in your life, the future can and does throw curve balls. You might be well-prepared, half prepared or clueless but no matter which it is, you have to learn to adapt to change in order to survive and thrive.

The more reasonably flexible you are about life’s changes, the lower the levels of anxiety. Inversely, those who are more rigid, are more likely to experience panic, disappointment or worry.

The disorder: Anxiety becomes problematic when you find yourself feeling anxious multiple times throughout the week and it is ongoing for at least six months. Be mindful that those repetitive anxious responses can become habit forming which may eventually disrupt your daily life.

Season of Change Tips:

1. Allow yourself time to process major changes
2. Being reasonably flexible helps to soften the impact of change
3. Take a moment to refocus your thoughts to something/someone pleasant during anxious moments
4. Take a few deep measured breaths and pay attention. They are a good momentary distraction
5. Get physical. Redirect that anxious energy

How do you handle change?