9 Ways to Avoid Adultitis When Embarking on a Major Life Transition

Major life transitions can really amplify one’s Adultitis. As you know these changes can involve gain or loss, and many times both at the same time.

Whether you’re saying “hello” to a new spouse, new baby, or a new house, or saying “goodbye” to a sick loved one, a beloved job, or a neighbor who is moving away, these transitions can really add some extra stress to your day-to-day, leaving you unsettled.

Jason and I are in the midst of a major life transition. We haven’t had one in a while, so I’ve been surprised at how it really does throw your life upside down. After months of planning and visioning, we are finally moving into our new office space, off of Baldwin St. on Madison’s Isthmus.

Seven years ago we decided it was a good idea to get three major life transitions out of the way within the same month. I graduated from college (Jason had graduated the year before), we got married (and went on our honeymoon to Disney World), and we moved to Madison, WI, from IL. As if moving to the land of cheeseheads was not going to be enough of a transition. It was crazy, but an exciting crazy. Moving into our new office space would also fall under the “exciting crazy” category. As much as you want things to go smoothly, it is no time to be a perfectionist, that’s for sure.

Fun sidenote on being a perfectionist, did you know that 315 words in the 1996 Webster’s dictionary were mispelled? I’m sure you’ve been upset about that, right? It’s okay to not have everything perfect. Life goes on. Most of the time no one even notices the imperfections.

Here are 9 ways to avoid Adultitis when embarking on a major life transition…

1. Protect your daily routine as much as possible. (Assuming your routine is productive and healthy.) If you usually get up and exercise, then read the Bible, make sure you are still doing these things, amidst the craziness of the changes.

2. Be flexible with the details and let go of that perfectionist mindset. Nothing is going to happen exactly as it was originally planned. Prepare your mindset ahead of time to be able to let go quicker to the changes that may occur in the plans. Remember, YOU choose your attitude, even in the most stressful circumstances.

3. Confide in a trusted friend. Don’t hold your frustrations or worries inside. Most of the time as soon as you share your worries out loud, you are able to hear how ridiculous they really seem. F.E.A.R. is False Evidence Appearing Real.

4. Plan ahead for your week. (Dinner menus, shopping lists, appointments, errands, etc.) To maximize efficiency, have this planned out ahead of time, so that you can make sure you have time in your day for exercise and sleep.

5. Laugh even more than usual. You know what makes you laugh…rent that Jim Carrey movie, read your daily Kim & Jason cartoon, play a practical joke on someone. Make sure you are making this a priority. This will help to naturally keep your stress levels lower.

6. Say no, so that you can say yes to other important things. Especially when your life is up in the air, you have to be even more willing to say “no” to good things. This enables you to be able to have the energy to put towards your other tasks at hand.

7. Keep lists. Don’t expect to remember everything. Calendars and lists are crucial when you’re making big changes in your life. If you are not a list person, ask a friend to help you.

8. Maintain an “attitude of gratitude.” Make sure you show appreciation and thanksgiving to all of those helping hands who are assisting to make sure your changes happen smoothly. No one can do it alone.

9. Be present in the moment. Look people in the eyes. Truly listen. Enjoy the little joys that are happening all around you. Before you know it the transition will be in the rearview.

Bonus tip: If you think you can’t barely get through another day… give it one more day.

P.S. We are having a Grand Opening on Saturday, August 11th from 1:00- 4:00PM, with cotton candy and sno-cones. If you are local and your schedule is free, please feel free to stop by. It should be a blast!