22 Simple Tips to Get Your Life Back on Track After a Big Change

Do you want to get back on track? Many people have been there, and sometimes it may seem impossible, but it’s not. Here’s how you can do it.

Have you ever felt like life has derailed you? One moment everything is well and good, and the next, you’re trying to figure out how to get back on track amid the chaos.

It’s like life has its own way of saying, “Surprise! Let’s see how you handle it.”

Whether it’s the heartache of a breakup, the shock of a sudden job loss, or the grief of losing someone close, these moments can leave us feeling lost and unsure of our next steps.

The truth is, getting your life back on track doesn’t just mean dusting yourself off and moving on. It is about understanding that suffering, failures and turmoil are woven into the fabric of our existence.

From the pain of divorce to the shock of bankruptcy, these experiences, no matter how harsh, are an integral part of our journey. They test our resilience, challenge our assumptions and, ultimately, shape who we become.

In this feature, we’ll explore how to deal with these rough patches and get back on a path that feels right for you.

understanding derailment

Change, as they say, is the only constant in life. But it’s not always easy to know when we’re in the midst of turmoil.

So, why do these changes affect us so much? Why does it seem so difficult to get back on track or get your life back on track after a significant upheaval?

Think of your brain like an ecosystem – when one part is disrupted, it can cause havoc throughout your system.

Stress, a natural response to change or challenges, can sometimes be overwhelming. It’s like an internal alarm system that won’t go off.

But here’s where it gets interesting: Our resilience, our mental strength, are also at play. This is what helps us bounce back. Picture flexibility as a rubber band. The more we stretch it *face challenges*, the more it expands, and makes us stronger.

Now, what exactly makes us deviate from the path? It could be a myriad of things. Career issues, like losing your job or feeling stuck in a role that doesn’t fulfill you, can shake your sense of identity and purpose.

And let’s not forget personal crises. Health issues, financial problems, or the loss of a loved one are serious events that can drastically change the course of our lives.

Each of these experiences, in its own way, can lead us astray from the path we thought we were on, leaving us feeling lost and uncertain about the future.

psychology of getting back on track

It is not just about willpower or motivation, but also about the complex workings of our mind and emotions that play a vital role in our recovery journey.

Emotional Intelligence *EI* is at the heart of getting your life back on track. It is a powerful tool in our psychological arsenal. EI includes two main components that are important in dealing with life’s challenges: self-awareness and emotional regulation.

It’s about being honest with yourself, accepting your feelings without criticism, and understanding their roots.

Emotional regulation, on the other hand, is about managing those emotions. This doesn’t mean suppressing emotions or pretending they don’t exist. Rather, it is about accepting and expressing them and finding healthy ways to deal with them.

Together, self-awareness and emotional regulation form the foundation of emotional intelligence, which helps us deal with difficult times. They enable us to process our experiences, learn from them, and ultimately, find our footing again.

No nonsense tips to get your life back on track

When a big life change hits you hard, here are some ways you can deal with everything that’s happening.

1. Get closure

Whether you’ve gone through a devastating divorce, the death of someone close to you, made a big move to another country, or anything else that uproots your life as you know it, embracing change. Make sure to learn from it and look positively to the future.

2. Evaluate your situation

Of course, it all depends on what exactly has changed in your life. Figure out the basics like having a roof over your head, a job to keep you busy, a steady income, etc.

3. Set goals for yourself

No matter what you’ve been through, you need to start achieving goals, no matter how small they are. Start with a list of daily and monthly tasks. Focus and work hard to check everything off your list.

Not only will this give you a sense of accomplishment, but it will also give you a chance to bring some sort of routine back into your life, which is always welcome after a huge upheaval in your day.

4. Focus on yourself

Remember those oft-repeated flight safety videos that talk about putting an oxygen mask on yourself before doing the same for people in your care? Well, this is the same thing.

If you are unwell or unwilling to take up the challenge of facing life, the people under your care will suffer the consequences.

5. Keep loved ones close

You will need all the help and support you can get.

It’s understandable that you don’t want all 500 of your Facebook friends to know what’s going on with you, but make sure to keep that to a small group of important people. Lean on them when you need it and don’t be shy to ask for help.

6. Invite positivity

Remove negativity and focus on the happiness in life. I know this is easier said than done, and there will be days when you want to hide from the world, wallow in your grief and yell at the universe for being so unfair.

7. Stop thinking about the past

As author Mandy Hale once wrote, “When the past calls, let it go to voicemail. There is nothing new to say in this.” There is no use constantly thinking about what you could have done differently to change your situation.

8. Travel more

The only way to get your life back on track is to look at things from a different perspective. It is almost impossible to return to a daily routine after going through a traumatic event.

Getting up, going to work, and going through daily activities will be more difficult than usual, so I encourage you to change it up and take some time off from real life.

Meet people from different walks of life, walk in their shoes, eat their food, laugh with them, talk to them, be inspired by them and learn from them.

You’ll return home refreshed and feeling like you can overcome anything.

9. Do something new

Whether it’s joining the Toastmasters Club and honing your public speaking skills or learning Muay Thai, scare yourself, and push yourself until you’re at the very edge of your limits.

You’ll realize that with enough determination and focus, you can do anything you set your mind to. Apply this logic to every aspect of your life and you’ll feel like your old self in no time.

10. Find a release outlet

Whether it’s a gentle task like writing or a more aggressive task like playing the piano or boxing, make sure you find something that you can turn to every time you feel overwhelmed.

This will give you an opportunity to release pent-up energy and negative emotions. What’s more, honing your skills and doing something you’re passionate about can help give you a sense of accomplishment and purpose.

11. Establish a healthy routine

A structured routine provides a sense of normalcy and control, which is important when you’re trying to get back on track. It’s about creating a new normal that supports your well-being and goals.

12. Learn a new skill

Engaging in learning something new can be incredibly gratifying and a great way to redirect your attention. This could be anything from cooking classes to coding.

13. Practice mindfulness and meditation

Mindfulness and meditation are powerful tools for mental clarity and emotional balance. They help reduce stress and improve focus, making it easier to deal with the challenges of getting back on track.

Regular practice can lead to a more focused and peaceful state of mind.

14. Volunteer your time

Volunteering allows you to connect with your community, contribute to a cause larger than yourself, and can be incredibly uplifting when you’re trying to get your life back on track.

15. Maintain a journal

Writing down your thoughts and feelings can be a therapeutic way to process what you’re going through. It also helps you track your progress, understand your behavior patterns, and keep your goals in mind to get back on track.

16. Make a financial plan

A solid financial plan can provide a sense of security and control as you get your life back on track.

17. Develop a growth mindset

Embrace the idea that challenges are opportunities to move forward. A growth mindset encourages flexibility, learning, and the belief that effort leads to improvement. This mindset can be vital in overcoming obstacles and getting back on track.

18. Seek professional guidance

19. Declutter your space

A cluttered space can reflect and contribute to a cluttered mind. Take time to organize and organize your living and working spaces.

This can create a more peaceful environment and help you feel more in control and focus on getting your life back on track.

20. Reconnect with an old hobby or passion

Whether it’s painting, hiking, or playing an instrument, these activities can provide satisfaction and a sense of normalcy as you work to get back on track.

21. Create a support system

It’s important to surround yourself with people who uplift and support you. This could be friends, family or even support groups where you can share experiences and gain insight.

Remember, it’s okay to rely on others while you rebuild your life.

22. Embrace change and move forward

Getting your life back on track often means accepting your new reality and the changes that come with it. This can be challenging, but it is an important step in moving forward.

It is a process of rediscovering yourself and redefining your path, which allows you to grow and evolve from your experiences.

In these moments of uncertainty, your true strength is revealed

When you feel like the ground has slipped from under your feet, finding your way out of the debris becomes your next mission.

As you go through these changes, remember that the journey of getting back on track is not just about getting back what was lost, but also about building something new and stronger.

Each of these tips is an important step toward getting your feet back and rediscovering your flexibility.

You are stronger than you think, and with determination, support, and a little self-compassion, getting your life back on track is not just a possibility, but the promise of a new beginning.