How to Navigate Life Transitions

Just as the seasons change, so do our lives — sometimes faster than we ever imagined. We blink, and humid summer mornings become frost-filled dawns. Our children are all grown up. We own new property or want to think about downsizing. The examples are endless, playing out in communities just like ours every single day.

There is a lot to take in during any transition. Even the most exciting change can take a toll on your family — but you don’t have to do it alone.

Here are our best recommendations to navigate life changes!

First things first: Accept what is changing

A surefire way to struggle with a transition is to hold onto the way things used to be. We’ve all done it — nostalgia is a powerful piece of human nature!

But while there’s value in remembering all of the wonderful moments you had in your old house, career, or stage of life, it’s important to continue looking ahead.

Tips to keep productive

• Try tracking your responsibilities with a to-do list or modified schedule. One of the hardest things about life transitions is that they often interrupt our well-established routines, causing us to feel off balance. Combat this by doubling down on your organization!
• Break projects into small tasks so you can experience the satisfaction of checking things off of your to-do list more frequently. These “tiny wins” will give you more momentum moving forward.
• Ask for help. Are there certain tasks you have the ability to outsource right now? Maybe this month is the time to hire your neighbor kid to mow the lawn or sign up for a temporary meal service so you don’t have to worry about it.

Tips to accept your emotions

• Respect the role of stress hormones like cortisol. Even good stress impacts the chemicals in your body! If you’re feeling particularly tired, sad, or otherwise moody, don’t judge yourself for it — it’s your biology.
• Identify the things you feel. Sometimes simply naming an emotion — acknowledging “I’m feeling sad” or “I’m feeling angry” — is enough to help us process through it.
• Reach out to your support network. Do you have a friend whose children recently moved to college, too? Has one of your colleagues experienced a similar career change? Tap into the people around you for encouragement, guidance, and a good listening ear.
• Prioritize healthy habits. One of the biggest culprits of feeling overwhelmed during life transitions is not sleeping enough. We know things feel crazy — but nothing is more important than giving your body the rest it needs. Try to set timers to hold yourself accountable to going to bed at a reasonable time!

Tips to stay on top of your finances

• Consider automating as many bill payments as possible. This way you don’t need to remember them on top of everything else you’re worried about during the transition.
• When in doubt, call and talk to a real person. We love how much easier the internet has made tasks like starting a new bank account or paying student tuition — but sometimes it feels like added pressure to figure it all out on your own. Don’t be afraid to pick up the phone and call!
• Take a look at how your insurance coverage might be affected. We’ve put together a quick guide here!

Lindow Insurance is here for you

Our team of hometown agents knows firsthand how overwhelming life changes can be. That’s why we’re here for you — every step of the way. See for yourself how an independent insurance agent can fit into your life!

Don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions you have, no matter where you are on your journey right now. We can’t wait to meet you!