Coaching Corner: Change is Healthy

Positioned by the highway on my drive home from college was a billboard that always got my attention. It read “Change is Healthy”. The fact that this billboard was advertising the remodeling of a local hospital is beside the point. That phrase resonated with me.

Growing up, my family joked that “we fear change”. Many people have this reaction: fear, frustration or anxiety.  It is time that we look upon change in a healthy way.

I have experienced many big changes in the last few weeks: graduating from graduate school, beginning a new job, moving to a new place, meeting new people. Below are some ideas and methods to help adapt and work through the big changes in life in a healthy way.

•  Be mindful of your blessings: When things are changing all around you, thinking of the positives will keep you grounded while things are shifting into place.


• Patience: Change can take a while. Don’t become frustrated! Knowing that it will take time will take the pressure off of wanting to have things perfect and working right away.


• Be flexible: One of my favorite quotes is: Things work out best for those who make the best out of how things work out.


• Establish a routine: Even if it is as simple as stopping at the same place each morning for your coffee on the way to work, having a sense of routine and normalcy can be refreshing.


• Exercise: Of course I had to include this one! Physical activity is the best form of stress relief. It invigorates your body and is purposeful.


• Lean on your support system: A good support system can include: parents, friends, spouse, or even your coaches. Reach out and keep them updated on what is going on in your life. It is great to have someone to listen to you who you know will be on your side. 

 Remember that change is all around us. We get to decide how we react to and handle these situations. Positive changes happen everyday at H3 and it is exciting to see. Use these steps or come up with some of your own that will allow you to deal with change healthfully when it enters your life.