“Adaptive action can only happen after we realise that the change is here to stay and we embrace the opportunity to change, too; adaptive action occurs after change acceptance,” Coleman notes. “It requires embracing a fluid (not rigid) approach.”

Adaptive action is exactly what it sounds like – taking concrete actions that are adapted to the situation in which you now find yourself.

So, for example, let’s say a relationship has broken down. You’ve accepted the loss of this person… now what? Do you want to stay single for a while? If so, it’s time to consciously dedicate some time to solo self-reflection. Or do you want to get back out on the dating scene? In that case, your adaptive action might be getting on the apps, meeting new people, saying ‘yes’ to that date. But also, you’ll need to ask yourself: what do I need to do differently this time around, with all the lessons I’ve learned from this change?

What it means to ‘drive the CAR’ – and how it can help your mental health