Changing Seasons

You’ve been so focused and stressed about exams that you haven’t even had a chance to think about what’s next. Sound familiar?

Or maybe you’ve been intentionally avoiding thinking about being away from your friends, moving back home, or getting a job. Change can be hard!

No matter what life stage you are in, transitions are difficult. It’s almost summer which should be the best time of the year, but suddenly you’re feeling anxious about what you’re going to do.

Here are some tips on how to stay grounded while adjusting to this new time of the year.

Remember this is normal

Change and transitions are hard for everyone! Give yourself a break if you don’t have a job right away, a plan, or your life “figured out”. Be kind to yourself if you’re feeling bored, sad, lonely, anxious, discouraged, disappointed… I like Tara Brach’s RAIN acronym to remind us not to be so hard on ourselves and to put things in perspective!

Make a new routine

It can be as simple as starting the day with a morning walk or yoga class; then going to a coffee shop to read or work on a resume. Or finding friends who are also around to meet up with. Having a plan can help decrease anxiety, help us to feel in control and be productive.

Think about what it would look like to you to have had a summer doing what you wanted to do

Maybe your goal is to get some work experience in a certain field, make money, learn a new skill, travel, or just to relax. It is a choice you have, and recognizing it is a choice, even if it is not the most desirable, may help decrease negative feelings. Set small, achievable weekly goals to work towards your overall goal so that it feels less overwhelming.

Have things to look forward to

This might be planning a weekend camping trip at the end of the summer, going to a music festival, sports event, concert, or even making a list of smaller places that you’ve been wanting to go to like new ice cream joints, restaurants, neighbourhoods, patios or restaurants. This will help you get through those not as exciting days!

Remind yourself that it is okay if you don’t have everything figured out!

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This article was written by Lisa Schwartz during their time at Shift Collab.