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Military life is rarely ever short on churn and change.  Even if you don’t consider yourself a routine-oriented person, making adjustments to your lifestyle on a weekly basis can be stressful.

Change creates a sense of loss, and the idea of losing or ending a known comfort can lead to feelings of anxiety, discomfort and depression, according to Alive and Well News.

Often, the best thing is to focus on the positives and potential opportunities rather than mourn the losses.

Here are some ways to do just that:

Reframe Your Thinking

Part of the anxiety is caused by vulnerability felt from a lack of control. Going into a changing circumstance with the reality that you cannot control what’s coming, but you can control how you respond to it can prepare your mind and help you relax.

Not only that, but you can also gain a sense of control by breaking the situation down into pieces. A PCS across the country is overwhelming on the surface. You can break it down into smaller steps such as taking care of paperwork, researching the new location, packing the house, etc.

You can use your change as a catalyst to start anew in an exciting reality you’ve been curious to try. Make a career change, a wardrobe transformation, even a new hairstyle. Instead of mourning your losses, use your circumstances as opportunities to be adventurous.

Manage Your Stress

Adjustments, especially abrupt ones, can be difficult and cause you to feel disorganized. One thing to consider is focusing on the essentials first. Take care of your family, your finances and your health before considering anything else.

BeliefNet mentions that exercise is especially important in times of stress. Moving your body will release endorphins and help you to cope with your changes. Also, getting seven to eight hours of sleep is important for your decision-making skills and mood. Eat right, sleep and move around to give yourself the best footing to take on an unpredictable future.

Have a Go To Mood Boost

Try to have an activity, song, location or whatever else puts you in a happy mood, but requires little effort. The ideas are endless: yoga, bubble baths, a favorite song, meditation, make a list of what you’re grateful for, calling a positive friend. Pick one thing and use it as your “go-to”, the consistency of this ritual can be a great comfort when everything else seems to be changing.

Sometimes we just need a break from the chaos for renewed energy and motivation. Give yourself permission to step away and recharge for a bit.

Have a Motto

If you can’t break away to lift your mood, have a word or a phrase you can say to remind yourself that you can make it through the struggles. Words like courage, faith, strength will keep you focused or you can find another Positive Quote to keep you in a constructive mindset.

Photo thanks to Drab Makyo via Flickr Creative Commons

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