By Chris Jones - Leadership and Development Specialist/Coach
We often think of health, success, and confidence as things that come from stability. A steady job. A predictable routine. A clear plan. But science and life tell a different story.
There’s even a biological term for it: allostasis.
Allostasis is our body’s built-in system for adapting and constantly recalibrating. We breathe in, breathe out. Cells die and regenerate. Our heart rate rises and falls. Our blood chemistry adjusts minute by minute.
Your body is always changing, so why do we expect life to stay still?
Why We Struggle With Change
Because change often feels like:
- Loss of control
- Uncertainty
- Risk
- A threat to identity
A restructure at work, a new boss, shifting priorities - even positive changes like promotions - can activate our stress response.
We think change is the problem…
But it’s actually our resistance to change that drains us.
The Upside of Change (When We Work With It)
Change can be:
- A catalyst for growth
- A refresh of motivation and skills
- A chance to reprioritise what truly matters
- Protection from stagnation and burnout
Think about major turning points in your career. Chances are, most happened because something shifted unexpectedly.
We evolve because life demands it.
The Allostasis Mindset: How to Adapt More Easily
If change is constant, then resilience is less about toughing it out
and more about adapting well.
Here are five practical ways to strengthen your adaptability at work:
1: Label the Change (Don’t Let It Stay Vague)
Define what’s changing specifically.
When change feels unknown, the fear grows.
- What is actually shifting?
- What is staying the same?
Clarity calms the nervous system.
2: Focus Your Energy (You Have More Control Than You Think)
Sort concerns into:
- What I can control
- What I can influence
- What I must accept
Place 80% of your effort into the middle category.
3: Keep Daily Anchors
When work feels chaotic, ritual creates stability.
Examples:
- Same tea break every morning
- A 10-minute walk at lunch
- End-of-day shutdown checklist
Small consistency reduces cognitive load.
4: Talk Through It (No One Adapts Alone)
Our brains cope better with connection.
Good prompts to share:
- “Here’s what I’m worried about…”
- “Here’s what’s exciting…”
- “Here’s what I need…”
Communication turns fear into partnership.
5: Ask the Growth Question
Instead of “Why is this happening to me?”
Try:
“What is this helping me become?”
It shifts the story from threat → transformation.
When Change Feels Overwhelming: Signs to Watch
- Chronic tiredness despite rest
- Difficulty focusing or decision-making
- Irritability, strong emotional swings
- Withdrawal from colleagues
- Feeling stuck or hopeless
These are allostatic overload - your stress system overworking.
This is when you must pause and resource yourself, not push harder.
Supports might include:
- A coach or mentor conversation
- Time with peers experiencing similar changes
- Adjusting workload temporarily
- Accessing mental well-being resources through work
Adaptation requires recovery.
Change Isn’t an Enemy — It’s Evidence You’re Alive
The most successful, fulfilled people aren’t the most stable.
They’re the most able to move with life.
We don’t grow by staying the same.
We grow by responding - bravely, thoughtfully, and imperfectly - to the constant shifts around us.
Call to Action
This week, try one of these reflection prompts:
- What change am I resisting and why?
- What small step could help me adapt more confidently?
- Who can support me as I navigate this?
Then share your thoughts in the comments:
What’s the biggest change you’ve had to face recently and what did it teach you?
Let’s learn from each other.
Let’s grow through change - not fear it.
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