Resistant to Change? Here Are Some Things That May Help

Article written by: Denver therapist, Lauren Battista

Many of us experience a surge of anxiety when confronted with change.

This is a common reaction, as the uncertainty that often comes with change can stir up uncomfortable emotions, like anxiety, fear, panic, even anger.

Learning how to navigate through uncomfortable emotions that may come with resistance is helpful for finding peace and growth through uncertainty.

Fear of the unknown often lies at the root of anxiety about change.

Sometimes, the unknowing is the sensation that comes with resistance.

Read More: “Curious About Anxiety Treatment? We Have Answers”

Our body’s response to excitement closely mirrors that of anxiety. It causes physiological changes, such as increased heart rate and shallow breathing.

In fact, we may feel excitement about an upcoming change or transition in life, and our body may register that energy feeling of excitement as anxiety or fear.

The key difference between the two often lies in the narratives we construct in our minds about the situation.

We can shift our mindset to embrace all possibilities, rather than fixating only on the worst-case scenarios. By doing this, we can positively impact our mental health and well-being and move through resistance to change.

How to work through resistance to change.

Whether it’s a significant change or a small one, resistance to change serves a purpose; it aims to keep us in what is familiar and seemingly safe.

Slow down

Acknowledging this resistance is the first step in overcoming it, because the more that we resist where we currently are, or how we currently feel, the longer we stay there. By taking a moment to slow down and feel where this resistance is in our bodies, we accept that it is real.

Then, we can send it some slow, deep breaths. This practice alone can alleviate pressure on the nervous system, allowing us to move with and through the resistance, rather than against it.

Be curious

Understanding why we resist change can also provide valuable insights. Change often threatens our sense of security and stability. It leads to fear and vulnerability.

Additionally, change may challenge our identity and force us to confront aspects of ourselves that we prefer to avoid.

By acknowledging these fears and insecurities, we can begin to address them with compassion, understanding, and care.

Mindfulness and self-awareness are powerful tools. They can help transition anxiety, fear, and resistance into curiosity and excitement.

Embrace

Read More: “Anxious About Change: 5 Tips To Manage Life Transitions”

According to Denver Metro Counseling therapist Jessica Wright in her article Anxious About Change? 5 Tips to Manage Life Transitions,  “When we embrace change instead of resisting it, we allow ourselves to be open minded to the change which can support us in practicing acceptance for what is.”

By facing our discomfort with openness and compassion, we can remove the resistance that blocks our progress. This will create room for personal growth through change and transitions.

Compassion

Self-compassion is important during times of transition or life changes. It fosters resilience and a greater sense of inner strength.

Practicing self-care and nurturing ourselves through times of change can significantly help the process of entering a new situation.

We build resilience by doing things that bring us joy, by connecting with supportive friends or communities, and by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. These resilient factors help us navigate change with greater ease.

Focus on growth when it comes to change!

Shift your perspective.

See change as an opportunity for personal growth and learning rather than a threat to your mental health or well-being.

Our thoughts about any given situation directly impact the feelings that follow, so when we replace fear-based thoughts with ones that are more neutral and balanced about the upcoming change, we find ourselves feeling less emotionally charged and more relaxed.

This takes practice, so remember to be patient with yourself as you strengthen your ability to think about change in a different way.

Reflect on a past experience of overcoming challenges and recognize your inner strength and resilience that helped you through. Every obstacle you face is a chance to learn, evolve, and become a stronger version of yourself.

By embracing uncertainty, you open yourself up to a world of endless potential and transformation.

Read More: “A Guide To Fostering An Open Mind & Embracing Different Perspectives”

Using strategies to build resilience can help us embrace uncertainty.

According to Wright, “continuously incorporating healthy coping skills and mindfulness into your life will empower you to manage future transitions (good or bad) in a healthy way”.

Focusing on growth can help us navigate life’s transitions with greater ease and courage.

Approaching change with an open mind, an empathy, and a kind heart (switch to with a sense of curiosity) allows us to start a transformative journey of self-discovery and empowerment.

Change is inevitable.

How you choose to respond to it can make all the difference in your personal journey of growth and self-discovery.

Change often gives us a chance to reevaluate our priorities. It lets us develop new skills and explore opportunities we may not have considered before.

Embracing change as a natural part of life’s journey can lead to profound personal development and fulfillment. Learning to go with change and life transitions help build adaptability, can improve self-esteem, and increase emotional intelligence.

As you navigate through resistance to change, try to keep an open mind and a hopeful heart. Each step forward brings you closer to your true potential and opportunities.

If the idea of change makes you feel paralyzed or stuck, you may need more help learning ways of managing resistance and anxiety. Therapy is a helpful option for working through feeling stuck, fear, resistance, and other emotions that may have a hold on you.

You don’t have to have an anxiety disorder to receive benefits of working through transition or change anxiety in counseling therapy.

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Denver Therapist, Lauren Battista

Lauren is a standout therapist at Denver Metro Counseling. She takes a thoughtful, collaborative, and encouraging approach to working with those teens and adults navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, school-related issues, work transitions, life transitions and more.

If you’re looking for a therapist who will sit with you in the muck and cheer you on as you learn more about yourself and work toward what you want for you… she may be a good fit.

Lauren is an EMDR therapist, Brainspotting therapist, anxiety and depression therapist, an ADHD therapist and works collaboratively and encouragingly with clients.

If you want to learn more about Lauren, check out her bio on the Denver Metro Counseling website or have a look at her instagram page @lb_does_therapy.