Good things can still feel stressful

We often talk about stress in the context of "bad" things—illness, loss, or financial worry. But there is a silent side to stress that we rarely acknowledge: the stress of positive change.

In the world of psychology, there is a scale called the Holmes and Rahe Stress Scale. Surprisingly, things like moving house, starting a new job, and even going on holiday rank high on the list of life's most stressful events.

Why? Because the subconscious mind prioritises familiarity over happiness. Even when a change is great, it represents a departure from the "known," and that can trigger our internal alarm systems.

My Whirlwind 2025: Practicing What I Preach

I know this experience well because the past year has seen massive, positive upheaval for me. I started a new job in May (which was so needed after many days coming home in tears from my last role) whilst also navigating the unknown of when we would be moving from a one-bedroom flat in Maidstone to a house in Folkestone. We eventually moved at the end of August after starting the process in November 2024!!

Even though I was thrilled to be in a new home and excited about my new professional chapter, my body still reacted with the tell-tale signs of stress: restless nights, a racing mind, and waking up far too early feeling like I had so much 'to do'.

The day we finally got the keys to our new home!

It was a powerful reminder that you can be grateful for a change and still feel overwhelmed by it. This advanced training has reinforced a vital truth: our brains are wired for survival, not necessarily for "thriving" in the midst of chaos.

When we move house or change jobs, we are rewriting our daily "map." Our subconscious has to work overtime to figure out the new routines, the new environment, and the new expectations. That "overtime" work is what we feel as stress.

How to Navigate the "Happy" Stress

If you are currently going through a positive life transition and feeling more "frazzled" than "festive," here are three things to remember:

1. Acknowledge the Load: Don't judge yourself for feeling stressed. Moving and career shifts are heavy lifts for your brain. Give yourself permission to be tired.

2. Keep One Anchor: When everything else is changing, keep one small routine the same. Whether it’s your morning coffee ritual or a 10-minute evening meditation, anchors tell your subconscious that you are safe.

3. Utilize Hypnotherapy: Hypnosis is an incredible tool for "calming the waters." It helps move the mind from a state of high-alert (Beta) into a more relaxed, receptive state (Alpha/Theta), allowing you to process change with much more ease.

Looking Ahead

As I prepare to complete my Level 5 Advanced Hypnotherapy Diploma and celebrate 4 years qualified with my Level 4 Diploma in Solution Focused Hypnotherapy, I am more passionate than ever about helping you navigate the "new." Whether your changes are big, small, positive, or challenging, you don't have to navigate the stress of them alone.