Dear Jennifer,

Fall’s coming, school’s starting, I’m moving apartments, trying to find a new part-time job, seeing a new guy-my life is the definition of transition right now! Do you have any tips on coping with the stress of change, and staying calm in a sea of crazy life-upheaval?

-Panicked

Dear Panicked,

Sounds like you might even feel a bit like that tornado that hit Toronto a few weeks ago! So much going on in such a short period of time. Lots of transitions, opportunities and changes… Here are 10 tips that will help you breeze through your transition and create more calm in your life. You can manage your stress by managing your environment, your thoughts, your body, your feelings and the way you respond to things.

First and foremost… Take a Breath. When feeling stressed out and overwhelmed our breathing often becomes shallow. Notice your breathing. Breathing brings you back to the present and creates space for you to re-group and ground yourself in order to see things more clearly.

Prioritize. Take it one step at a time. Divide it up – look at what needs to get done immediately and break it down step by step from most important to least important.

Minimize Stressors. Are there any situations, tasks, people that cause you stress who you can let go of for the time being, at least until you move through this? Talking to mom, say. If talking to your mom causes you stress during this time then agree not to talk to her until you are settled.

Realize your limits. Learn how to say “no” to new responsibilities and commitments that you don’t want to take on right now or are not sure you can fulfill. There is nothing worse than adding more to your already overwhelming pile.

Communicate with those around you. Talk to your boyfriend, your roomates, your friends and family. Express your feelings and thoughts. Say what you need to say, set boundaries, say no when you want to say no and express what you need from them at this time. Don’t try to cope alone or keep your feelings to yourself.

Take care of your body. Be sure you take the time to take care of your body. Get plenty of rest, eat nutritious meals and exercise. Your body needs your care and attention. The more you take of your body, the more it will take care of you.

Relaxation Techniques are great for preventing and managing stress. Take time to relax and unwind. You can practice visualization techniques by focusing on peaceful images, progressive relaxation by tensing and relaxing your muscles and even taking a moment to watch your breathing. Teaching yourself to relax is a great way to find a place of calm during stressful times.

Develop a Postive Attitude. The way you look at things has a big impact on your stress levels. Put things into perspective, go with the flow and look at the bright side. The more you resist the change, the more difficult and painful it will be. Imagine what it would be like if you went against the waves of the ocean vs. riding the waves. The difference is getting pounded vs. a smooth ride to shore.

View your situation by looking at what is right about it. Look at all the amazing things that are happening right now. Look for all that is good in the sea of upheaval.

Ask For Help – Reach Out. Don’t be afraid reach out to others for help. People may have answers or information that will help you or they may even pitch in a helping hand.

If you are feeling like you can’t keep your head above water anymore, take advantage of your schools’ counselling services to help you cope and manage. There are also counsellors, life coaches and groups in your areas that will be able to assist you and help you through this.

And very importantly, acknowledge yourself for all the steps you take big and small.

Finally, know that this transition will pass you by and come to an end. You will define a new normal and things will simmer down. Be sure to keep this in mind when you feel like you are on a wild ride. Repeat to yourself: This too shall pass.