The last year and a half has been a period of adapting to change. And the weeks and months ahead seem to be going along with the same there. With schools reopening, there is probably a lot of anxiety happening over the transition to a new routine. Aside from the risks involved due to Covid, there is also nervousness around adapting to a new normal.
All of us would like transitions to be seamless. We would like to adapt easily with no hiccups of effects on our physical or mental health. However, these expectations may be a little unrealistic because transitions can be quite difficult. All of us are different and therefore we all cope with it in different ways.
Why are transitions so difficult though?
- It’s unfamiliar- We tend to gravitate towards the known and familiar (even if it isn’t healthy or good for us). We like to know what’s going to happen. We like certainty. Anything unfamiliar and uncertain brings out a sense of discomfort and anxiety for us because we don’t know what is going to happen.
- Stress- Transitions are stressful for many reasons. You may have new tasks to do, new people to meet. For some of us, this is good stress. We enjoy it because it motivates us. However, for some others, it takes a toll on our minds and our bodies.
One reason why the pandemic was difficult for us was because it was an unexpected transition to a new way of living that was unfamiliar to us. We had to face fears that were new, go through losses that we did not expect, and have many of our coping resources taken away from us.
Adapting to this new change is also scary. We need to take precautions while outside, there are new routines that we need to get used to and new rules that we need to follow.
What can we do to make this transition easier for us?
- Take it easy- Allow your body time to adapt to this new change. This could mean allowing in some rest and extra sleep, not forcing yourself to study/work, or talking to friends and family.
- Practice your new routine- Try to stick to your new routine as much as possible whether it involves getting up and going to sleep at the same time or taking some gadget-free time.
- Be Kind to yourself- Change can be hard and there is no need to make it more stressful by saying harsh things to yourself. Allow yourself time to adapt and cope. Practice hobbies/interests that calm you down.
If you feel the need to talk to someone, do reach out to your counselors. To reach out to the counselors at CMRNPS, you can use this link below. Please select the option ‘student wellness’:
