Change. It's a word that often triggers anxiety and stress.
We resist it, try to control it, or even deny it altogether. But what if we shifted our perspective? What if we viewed change as a catalyst for growth?
Neurologists, psychologists, and pain specialists emphasize the importance of allostasis in responding healthily to change, whether internal or external. But what exactly is allostasis? It's a set of mechanisms that maintain stability amid change. In essence, life throws curveballs at us, disrupting our routines, but through adaptation, we not only regain stability but also cultivate a deeper sense of calm and wisdom.
Instead of resisting change, we can learn to go with the flow. Embracing change actively reduces our allostatic load, the stress caused by excessive change. This means seizing destabilizing events—be it global shifts like a pandemic or personal transitions like retirement—and using them as opportunities to hone our adaptability skills.
Brad Stulberg, author of "Master of Change: How to Excel When Everything Is Changing—Including You," suggests a mindset shift when faced with overwhelming change. Acceptance, acknowledging our limits, resilience, and flexibility are key to navigating change effectively and reducing its impact on our well-being.
Here are some fascinating insights:
- Higher allostatic load correlates with increased mortality and decline.
- Allostatic load tends to rise with age, according to Canadian statistics.
- Our brains thrive on adaptation and creating new connections. Change is not just inevitable; it's beneficial for our mental agility and overall health.
So, instead of fearing change, let's embrace it as a pathway to personal and cognitive growth. After all, our ability to adapt is what makes us resilient and capable of thriving amidst life's ever-evolving landscape.
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