Wife, son, dogs, house and business.

That is what I moved from the city to the suburbs last week. So many changes in a short period made Joe a nervous man.

Change and moving are among the biggest stressors in life. Even if it's a healthy change, they can create nasty emotions like irritability, worry and utter panic, rendering us forgetful of the need to breathe.

So what's the biggest change or move you've recently made that has challenged your sanity?

Did you:

Change careers?
Start your own business?
Retire?
Add a family member?
Lose a family member?
End or begin a relationship?
Quit drinking or smoking?

People go through changes each day, but the big adjustments are those that can temporarily, or in some cases, permanently, damage us.

So, what's the answer?

Well, there isn't one. There are many. If you are amid change or will soon be, consider keeping the following with you to battle the negative demons:

• Accept that it's normal to feel overwhelmed. This is an important step because we can beat ourselves up by thinking we are weak and not capable of handling new experiences. Everyone suffers ill emotions in times of adjustment, even if it's a positive move. But now you must take action toward the feelings you don't like.
• Keep perspective. Like me, my friend, Jim O'Connor, invested in a home that was well over his intended budget. We both worried about supporting our families and affording the payments. But last Saturday he spoke of perspective and what matters most, like good health and people who love us. As long as we have shelter, warmth and food on the table, all will be OK. Do you keep perspective?
• Exercise. Rather than dwell on the feelings you're experiencing, move baby, move. Take a walk after dinner. Wake up early and go for a run or take a spinning class. Physical exercise releases the endorphins that make us feel better physically and mentally. Exercise improves your health. But, especially during change, exercise is crucial to create positive energy.
• One day at a time. This may be the most important tip because as we change, some of the most repeated questions in our heads include, "Is this feeling ever going to go away?" or "Will I be able to handle this a year from now?". You will handle it, and the feeling will go away. But focus on the task at hand, today! All you can control is your thoughts and behaviors now. Change is about surrendering control. What you can control is you. Do it one day at a time.

It's funny because it occurs to me that I've written of these tips before in this column. But if we don't apply them they don't do us any good. And learning is a process that necessitates repetition.

So what steps are you going to take to begin breathing again with confidence and peace of mind? Acceptance, perspective, exercise — and take them all just one day at a time. Good behaviors become good habits and lead to good results.

Joe Takash speaks to companies looking to improve results including higher morale, performance and profit. He also serves as director of corporate relations for Robert Morris College. E-mail him at .