Coping with Change

For many students in Y11 and Y13, the school year is coming to an end, and for the rest of us, as lockdown eases, we are having to get used to a new way of life. Change is coming soon, and is scary, but also an inevitable part of life. Change can be difficult to deal with, especially as many of you will be entering a new phase of your life, whether that’s beginning a new school, moving out and living alone to perhaps even permanently leaving education. Here are some of the best ways I have found over the years to help cope with massive changes:

1. Prepare

You can never be truly prepared for what will happen, but anticipating a lot of your needs can help calm some of the panic. If you are moving to a new place, perhaps go there a few days before and check it out - having some idea of what to expect will make the change a lot easier. Make a list of all the things you will need, whether its new school supplies for a new school or simply everything one needs to move out. Being organised will eliminate a lot of the last minute panic of forgetting that one really important thing and hopefully make the transition a bit easier

2. Keep perspective

Remember, there are many people who are in the exact position you are in and many before you - in a way, everyone is in the same boat. If you are starting a new school, remember there will be others doing the same too and just as nervous as you. It is natural to be anxious, but remember that you will eventually adapt to your new life, it is only a matter of time

3. Don’t be afraid to reach out

Starting a new part of your life often means being surrounded by different people. Making new friends and reaching out to new people can be daunting but having friends in your school or workplace makes everything so much easier. Much of confidence is simply faking it till you make it, so take the plunge and talk to someone new!

Change is terrifying and daunting, but can also be some of the best things! Think about starting a new chapter of your life as exciting rather than scary, an