Adapting to Change

Last week my life went through a lot of changes, all for the better, but scary all the same, so I thought I would share with you how I have been dealing with all the new experiences. In the space of a week I started college, which involved going to a new school with entirely new people, I started my first job, working on reception at a local social and fitness centre, and I started a new badminton session as I got into the Sussex team so I have to attend team training where the majority of the players are a LOT better than me. Turning up to all of these things for the first time quite frankly terrified me, however I got through it and it made me feel a lot better about myself. For this reason, I really want to stress that if you want to do something, don't be afraid to do it. After a few goes you won't feel nervous anymore and you'll be so glad you did it.

In terms of getting through your first time doing something, I would say that confidence is key. Even if you don't feel confident in what you're doing, pretend that you do. In my first lessons at college I spoke up a lot in class, which was really out of my comfort zone, but it gave off a positive message about me to other people and then they felt able to talk to me, enabling me to quickly make friends. People are much more likely to start a conversation with you if they can see that you engage with others, so even if you don't feel confident talking to other people, put on a brave front and speak to them. After you've spoken to them a few times, you'll be much more confident anyway, so you won't have to pretend anymore.

Another method I use to calm myself is to feel really organised. If I'm going to a new place, I will make list upon list of what to do before I go, both in the hours before, and in the days before. I write all the things I have coming up on my calendar and make sure that my desk is a stress free zone so that I can focus fully on what I am about to do. I also try and keep really busy beforehand. Not so busy that I'm stressed about getting everything done, but busy enough that I don't over think everything.

This was a very different sort of post for me to do, which I suppose fits in with the theme of the post as it involved me stepping out of my comfort zone a little bit. I really hope this helped some of you, especially if you've just started a new school or are taking up new activities. Remember that the most important thing is to enjoy yourself.

emma x