Supporting Someone as They Make a Life Change

It won\’t be simple for you or the people around you to make any significant life changes. The success of your new lifestyle will depend on a variety of factors, including whether you choose to give up smoking, get divorced, stop drinking alcohol, or reduce your weight significantly. It\’s crucial to surround yourself with a supportive and upbeat support network in addition to being committed to your new life path.

What transpires when someone claims that you are the person they are depending on for support in their life? How can you treat a family member or friend well?

Establish Boundaries
Realizing that you are not accountable for the person\’s \”success\” or \”failure\” at making the change is a crucial part of supporting them while they make significant life changes. You\’re only setting yourself up for failure if you think you\’ll be your partner\’s savior as they attempt to break a nicotine habit.

Recognize that while you can help someone find a support group or make yourself available to them if they need it, you have no control over what they choose to do. Your mental health will be protected if you are aware of this in advance, and your expectations of yourself and the other person will remain reasonable.

Be a Listening Ear
We frequently just want someone to talk to when we are going through a change. When it comes to helping someone, it can be very helpful to have a friend who will listen to them even if they don\’t say anything.

Even though you might assume that someone in your life is aware of your ability to help them when they need it, they might need to hear you say it first. Remind them that you are more than willing to hear their struggles and are not passing judgment on them.

Consult Outside Resources
Expecting to be an expert life coach is unrealistic. Participating in a support network can occasionally entail assisting the other party in connecting with experts. Someone might not have the motivation or energy to look for amiable nutrition groups if they are having trouble with something like losing weight.

It can be beneficial to do some research for a friend or family member. Remember that it\’s okay if the person decides not to follow any of your advice. What matters most is that you provide assistance in a kind and nonjudgmental way.

Vocalize Your Support
Sometimes all people need to know they are supported is that we care about them and hope they adopt healthy habits. Even though people might not always accept your offer to help in the way you prefer, they are likely to appreciate it.

Ask the person how they would like you to assist them. It can be crucial to give them a safe place to express their needs verbally.

Conclusion
There are many ways you can support a friend or family member who is thinking about changing their course in life. It\’s crucial for both your health and the health of the other person that you keep your own mental wellbeing and boundaries in mind as you help them.