Change is often difficult, and major life transitions can leave you feeling overwhelmed. You might be facing a career change, the end of a difficult relationship, or family challenges, and it is easy to embrace unhealthy habits as you struggle. Rather than let these choices drag you down, use this time of transition to set new goals and create a healthier life.  

– Guest Author of Bog Post – Health Coach, Jennifer Scott

• Be purposeful in making positive changes

Oprah suggests that rather than dwell on fears about what lies ahead, focus on the present and allow yourself to grieve for what you’re leaving behind. Unfortunately, grieving can be a roller coaster ride that often sparks unhealthy choices. As you move forward, focus on finding small ways to reduce your stress and build positive habits.

Habits make up a significant portion of one’s daily tasks, causing many to simply go on autopilot. Major life changes will wreak havoc on your routines, so use these changes to shift to healthier decisions. If a stressful job often prompted you to head to the bar for some drinks after work, take a walk or head to the gym to unwind after a day at your new job instead.

• Recognize what prompted unhealthy decisions and plan for hiccups

Habits are connected to specific situations and routines, and the first step to changing for the better is to break down why, how, and when you did them. A toxic relationship may have prompted a habit of eating sweets late at night to avoid facing your issues, so recognize that association and start reading or having a glass of tea late at night instead.

Life will be uncomfortable during this transition. You will face obstacles, so plan strategies for overcoming them. For example, you may be committed to eating healthier, but you face a dinner with clients at your new job. Rather than throw your new, good habits out the window, eat a healthy snack before the event and stick to club soda and salad while building these new connections.

• Set yourself up for success

Manipulate your environment so you don’t have to rely on being strong and controlled. You may still have old sweatshirts or love letters from your ex that remind you of the good times you had and make you second-guess the breakup. Get those items out of your home, moving everything into a storage unit if needed, to maintain your resolve. Follow a step-by-step plan, such as this one, to separate the task from the emotion as best as you’re able.

Decluttering can get emotional, but once items are out of sight your mental wellness will improve. Fulfillment Daily notes that people who have organized spaces are often happier and less stressed, and even have healthier exercise and eating habits, than those who live amid chaos. Use your stressful transition to set yourself up for success by clearing out what’s holding you back.

• Avoid situations where you face temptations tied to bad habits

Stay away from situations where you will be tempted to fall back into old, bad habits. For example, if you typically go outside during breaks to smoke with co-workers, and you are trying to stop smoking, avoid that routine and create a new one. Instead, walk to a water fountain far away for a refill or chat with a non-smoking co-worker.

You may not be happy about what is prompting a major life transition, but you can take control and come out on the other side of it stronger. Evaluate the what, when, and how tied to your unhealthy habits and construct a healthier life revolving around positive choices. Grieve for what you are losing, but set yourself up for success by managing your environment and focusing on how much your physical and mental wellness will improve.

Guest Author of Bog Post – Health Coach Jennifer Scott – has experienced anxiety and depression since she was a teenager. She shares stories about the ups and downs of her anxiety and depression at SpiritFinder.

[Image via Pixabay]