“The truth is, this time in our lives of transition is truly a time of growing pains.“

Article by Alexandria Zimmerman, Ask Zimm

#College was fun. It was probably too much fun. Yes, studying was challenging and exams were stressful, but once I stepped foot out of my apartment for the last time on Villanova's West Campus, I felt lonely.

Okay, that might sound dramatic but life is sooo different after college and no one really tells you or prepares you in college for that transition. It can be lonely, scary, stressful, overwhelming, anxiety-inducing and overall a slap in the face in comparison to college days. Daily life is so much different for many of us; now you spend your days in an office with complete strangers who feel that knowing about your personal life is a given, and is expected. In college, my days were spent with my teammates working out and my friends in class, discussing the university's controversial WSJ article in class or writing research papers in the Tally lounge. Now, I see a friend maybe once or twice a week on the weekend and I talk to my mom way more. I miss old friends and old anxieties return, because a void now exists where so much love, fun, and overall a big chunk of life used to be.

So, how do we cope? How do we grow? The truth is, this time in our lives of transition is truly a time of growing pains. But with growing pains comes a new level of accomplishments and experiences that we wouldn't have without the challenging process.

1. Take control of what you can

   Working out! shocker! This is my top way of coping every time i get anxious and confused about life. But, we know we cant exercise allll day (even tho i would if i could and maybe sometime i will). So the other outlets that we discover are so important. When i exercise, I feel like I have some control over something-my body and for a period of time, my mind too. Its a battle you win every time!

   Taking action in areas where you realistically can act is crucial to feeling in control. Apply to new jobs, be proactive in chasing your dream by reaching out again and again, and continue to go after it with action.

2. Meditate!

   I am trying to meditate more as a practice of reflection and gratitude, which encourages a positive mindset more consistently throughout the day. Meditation can help you identify a mantra to think to yourself all day or when your anxiety feels triggered. I also find this same self-discovery during yoga which is one of my favorite hobbies. It allows me to be with myself and my body in a way that connects it to my mind so closely.

3. Find your hidden talents and hobbies

   In this transition phase where I sometimes feel lost, and at a time felt super alone, I just got really comfortable being alone doing things that I remembered I enjoyed. My mom helped me remember I can paint and decorate, and I love to do that. So I painted some canvasses for my new place and it was honestly therapeutic. I cook all the time to release anxiety as well because my thoughts flow so freely while I'm creating a meal, and this is similar to when I paint. Creativity encourages emotional release into the physical world- I learned this from my amazing, talented and artistic mother.

   I love to write, and jot down poetry and thoughts all day here and there. This is another way to express myself outside of my workouts that I truly love.

   I enjoy taking photos, and being both in front of and behind the camera.

These are just a few ways that I love to escape from the stress of this transition, while I am in a place of loneliness and a place of uncertainty. It is a work in progress to continue to be grateful and radiate that gratitude into others' lives, and is a skill I am happy to hone in on!