When A Huge Life Change Hits You Like A Ton Of Bricks, Here Are 8 Ways You Can Deal With It

Have you ever felt like life just derailed you? One moment everything is smooth sailing, and the next, you're trying to find your footing amidst the chaos.

It's as if life has its own way of saying, "Surprise! Let's see how you handle this."

Whether it's the heartbreak of a breakup, the shock of losing your job, or the grief of losing a loved one, these moments can leave us feeling lost and uncertain about our next steps.

The reality is, getting your life back on track isn't just about picking yourself up and moving forward. It's about recognizing that sadness, setbacks, and upheavals are integral parts of our existence.

From the pain of a divorce to the shock of bankruptcy, these harsh experiences are essential to our journey. They test our resilience, challenge our perspectives, and ultimately shape who we become.

In this feature, we'll explore how to navigate these challenging times and find your way back to a path that feels right for you.

Remember, it's not about avoiding life's storms but learning how to dance in the rain.

# Get Closure

Understand and accept what happened, hold onto it if you must, then let it go. Whether you've experienced an ugly divorce, the death of a loved one, a big move to another country, or any other life-altering event, embrace the change, learn from it, and look positively toward the future.

# Evaluate Your Situation

This depends on the specifics of what changed in your life. Focus on securing the basics first, like housing, a job, and a steady income. Once the essentials are in place, move on to activities that make you happy, such as pursuing worthwhile endeavors, reducing vices, and finding what reignites your zest for life.

# Set Goals for Yourself

Regardless of what you've been through, start setting and achieving goals, no matter how small. Create daily and monthly to-do lists, and work hard to check everything off. This will give you a sense of accomplishment and help reestablish a routine, which is especially welcome after a major upheaval.

# Focus on Yourself

This can be challenging if you have others under your care, like children, but it's crucial to ensure you can handle life's challenges before helping others. Remember the inflight safety advice about putting your oxygen mask on first before assisting others. Seek counseling or support from friends, family, or groups when feeling overwhelmed.

# Keep Loved Ones Close

You'll need all the support you can get. While you may not want to share everything with all your social media friends, keep a small circle of important people close. Lean on them when necessary, and don't hesitate to ask for help. If you lack a personal support network, numerous support groups and organizations are available, so you won't be alone.

# Invite Positivity In

Avoid negativity and focus on the positive aspects of life. There will be days when you want to hide and wallow in misery, and that's okay. Get it out of your system, then focus on the good to come. Strive to reach your goals without letting sorrow overwhelm you.

# Quit Obsessing About the Past

As author Mandy Hale said, "When the past calls, let it go to voicemail. It has nothing new to say." There's no use in constantly pondering what you could have done differently. The past won't change, but you can use your experiences as motivation to move forward.

# Travel More

Seeing things from a different perspective can help get your life back on track. After a traumatic experience, the daily grind can feel impossible. Take some time off from real life and travel to new and exotic places. Meet diverse people, immerse yourself in their cultures, and be inspired by their stories.