Remaining Resilient During Change
Change, whether personal or professional, can take its toll.
Many events can increase stress in our lives, including positive events such as marriage, the birth of a child, starting a new job, and experiencing a child leave home. Change impacts us all, and I speak from experience, related to my recent transition to Interim Administrator for Methodist Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
While it's common for individuals to become anxious in the face of change, we can learn how to build resilience and minimize potentially negative physical and psychological effects. A diversified approach to increasing resilience emphasizes the use of strategies before, during, and after a change event.
Before
- Develop a supportive network of family and friends
- Practice relaxation techniques regularly
- Give yourself permission to have fun and be creative
- Take care of yourself with proper nutrition, regular exercise, and adequate rest
- Acknowledge the fact that stress is a normal part of life
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR BLOG
and you'll receive more health & wellness tips right in your inbox.
SUBSCRIBE NOWDuring
- Challenge stress-inducing beliefs
- Stop before your thoughts escalate into worst case scenarios
- Identify irrational thoughts, dispute them, and reflect objectively on the cause of the stress
- Establish a plan of action
- Use positive self-talk
After
- Continue to connect with your support network
- Continue to take good care of yourself
- Congratulate yourself for being resilient
We’ve all heard the phrase, “the only thing constant is change,” so start preparing for the inevitable today.
You can talk to a counselor about increasing your resilience or any other life challenge by calling Methodist Healthcare EAP at 901-683-5658 to schedule a free, confidential appointment.
Karole Shorter, LCSW, CEAP
Supervisor
Karole Shorter is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Employee Assistance Professional. She is a member of the Employee Assistance Professional Association and active in the community. She has a bachelor’s degree in social work from Florida A & M University, and master’s degree in social work from Florida State University. Karole has counseled children and adults in outpatient settings for twenty years, and was the social services director for a nursing home in Florida before moving to Memphis with her family in 1999. She joined the EAP staff in 2006, and was promoted to EAP Supervisor in 2019. Karole enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, and traveling.
Help is available for everyone
If your employer doesn't offer EAP services, the Living Well Network is here to help.
LWN connects people to behavioral health resources, educates people about mental health and advocates for more communication and resources for mental health.