Managing Stress During Change

You may or may not know who Heraclitus is but you know what he said: Change is the only constant in life. I'm sure everyone agrees with that statement, at least to some extent. So, if that's true, why do we struggle with change so much? What can we do to manage stress during the change? Here are some tips to help you make a friend of change and keep stress at bay.

Plan Ahead

Change isn't always known. But if you do know a change is coming, plan for it. Maybe it's a planned move back to the office or adopting a hybrid approach to your work location. Perhaps it's adopting new technology. Or maybe it's something in your personal life like an ailing parent or a child heading off to college. Some changes can be anticipated. If that's the case, think ahead. And take some action.

For our example, let's consider a change in the work location. If you know you are returning to the office part-time, what will you need in each work location to ensure you are efficient and effective? Chances are you figured out how to work at home. You have a designated 'desk' and know where to hold those private conversations with clients. Those aspects will be easy to manage in the office. The trick is making sure your files are updated at work for things you have managed or completed at home. If you use cloud storage or cloud-based case management software, that makes it easier. If you don't consider emailing yourself documents or notes. But honestly, that's a signal you need to take on another change: using cloud-based software. But we'll leave that idea there. 

Think About It

If the thought of change causes you any stress, think about why that could be. You need to carve out 10 minutes to really think about this for it to make a difference. Write down the thoughts that come to you as to why change feels so uncomfortable. Consider each idea individually. 

Some people choose to keep a journal of the things that stress them about change. This is great if you are short on time. Identifying the triggers makes them easier to understand and manage. Consider spending some time using mindfulness tools to gain a deeper understanding.  Talk with a friend or loved one. Or, if it's all feeling a bit too much, contact a professional. Just like you wouldn't want a potential client to try to manage a complicated case on their own, neither should you manage anxiety or stress on your own. 

Make Time For Adopting the Change

No one enters a change fully prepared. They may be well prepared, but there are always things that come up. Be sure to give yourself a bit of grace when it comes to adopting the change. Some elements of change simply can't wait. So, for that specific area, don't try to slow it down. Instead, focus on the things that are not changing. 

Create a routine. Focus on the consistency you are able to maintain. This could be your favorite coffee spot. Or perhaps it's Taco Tuesday. You get the idea. Focus on the things that aren't changing. That helps keep that change in perspective. Head outside or just look at the world going by from your window. In your corner of the world, let alone in the whole world, the things that cause you to stress are really not that impactful, for the most part. Keep it all in perspective.

Reframe Your Thinking

Make a friend of change. As I tell my kids when they are struggling with some element of change, aren't you glad you aren't the same person you were 3 years ago? Change is good, even if it is tough. Now, not all change is great. Sometimes it is really a very bad no good thing... health issues, family complications and the like. For the business change we are focusing on, it can be very good indeed.

Rather than think of it as difficult or fighting it, consider the outcome. Chances are the change is happening for a reason. Envision the light at the end of the tunnel. Maybe it's a better life/work balance. Or growing the business of the firm. You get the idea. Focus on the benefit of the change. And remember even if you are a solo law firm, you aren't in the change alone. Reach out to colleagues, friends from law school, or friends from outside the legal world. Change is not uncommon, in any profession or life. Share the process with someone. It not only demystifies it, but also reminds you there are others dealing with the same things. 

Get Active

Movement is medicine. Especially in professions where no physical exertion is required, it's critical to get your body moving. Maybe it isn't convenient to get to a gym. No problem. Look for online training solutions. My favorite is Build It Athletics. On-demand workouts you can do in as little as 20 minutes. Or if you need more custom training, virtual coaching is offered too. If that doesn't work for any reason, get out and walk. Feel like a jog? Take one lap around the block. Take 3 minutes before you make that next phone call and just do 5 push-ups. The point is getting your blood flowing and your heart rate up helps alleviate stress. You'll be surprised how many push-ups you can get done in a day if you just take a few minutes here and there and get it done. 

It's not always easy to adopt change, even if it is constant. Take these simple steps to make a friend of change. And be ready for the next one, too!