July 22, 2016 // WorkLife Wisdom: Life’s Curve Balls: We All Get Them

When setbacks and hard times occur in your personal or professional life, it can be very tough to pick up the pieces and go on. You may, for example, find yourself facing an unexpected health issue, a career disappointment, financial trouble, or the loss of a loved one. Although it’s often not easy to process the “curves” that life can throw, there are coping strategies you can use to bounce back.

• Let go of what you can’t control: Many of the swirling events in life are outside of our control. It doesn’t help to worry about developments you can’t possibly influence. Instead, focus only on what you can control. Sometimes, the only thing you have control over is how you choose to respond to a challenge.
• Reach out for feedback and support: Share your challenges with a friend or loved one. You might get some good ideas on how to respond to a hardship.
• Write and reflect in a journal: Record your experiences, feelings and thoughts. Safely venting in a private way can help you release strong emotions and move forward.
• Take some action: Instead of worrying about how you ended up in a challenging situation, take time to figure out what to do next. Make a list of the potential ways you could deal with the current issue. Weigh your options, and create a step-by-step plan for action.
• Build on your experience: Try to recall how you’ve gotten through similar challenges in the past. Re-apply those strategies in the present.
• Take care of yourself: Hardships in life usually go hand-in-hand with stress. So, be sure to make time for activities that keep you healthy. Practice relaxation techniques, meditate, or use other stress-reducing tactics. Keep up with your regular exercise routine. Stay involved with your favorite hobbies. Also, get enough sleep and eat a balanced diet.
• Look for laughter: Finding humor in stressful situations doesn’t mean you’re in denial. Humor is a helpful coping mechanism. If you can’t find any humor in a situation, turn to other sources for a laugh such as a funny video, movie or book.
• Be patient with yourself: Remember that even the most resilient of people need time to process a new reality.
• See the light at the end of the tunnel: No matter how difficult or uncomfortable a situation may be, remember that even the darkest of days won’t last forever.

Accessible 24/7, your FAA WorkLife Solutions Program offers many resources and services to help you and your family. Options available through the program include convenience services to help with everyday events needing your time and attention, child and elder care options, legal and financial services, in-person counseling, and much more. Call your program at 1-800-234-1327, TTY Users: 1-800-456-4006, or log on to www.MagellanHealth.com/Member to begin accessing these services today.