This summer has seen many jobs added to the marketplace. In fact, recent reports show over 200,000 new jobs added in August. And yet, thousands of skilled workers are struggling to find work, and it goes without saying: The job search is frustrating and can feel defeating. For many, long-term unemployment is a source for anxiety and depression. Here are a few tips to maintain your mental health when you’re in a work transition or just in-between.
Snowball your tasks.
Lethargy is dangerous! Whenever stresses start to stack, the combined weight can make us feel sluggish and unmotivated. Plus, there are a hundred things to worry about and not many have easy solutions. Start with a few easy tasks each day to help your brain feel successful. Then find one or two more difficult problems to solve and focus a few hours to making the calls, filing the paperwork, writing the letters, etc. You’ll be amazed how a few, focused hours of productivity can lighten your mood.
Each person has their own way of refueling. Find yours and start your day doing whatever that is. For many, spending fifteen minutes meditating can make the day seem more approachable and exciting. For others, maybe all you need is a quick jog in the early morning.
Fight the urge to sleep in. Try finding a fight-song and play it while you get ready in the morning. Can’t think of one? Try this classic.
Stay connected.
A limited income might mean less time out with friends and family. Try and monitor how much time goes between important conversations. Invite friends over for an easy night in. It might be a great time to reconnect with people you haven’t spoken with in a while. Don’t be afraid to vent to loved ones, but make sure to try and keep a positive outlook. Being between jobs has been shown to cause frustration and fallout that can strain important relationships, so having fun with loved ones is a must for your long-term health.
Reframe your situation.
It is not a personal failure to have not found the right work fit for you. The reality of the market is that there are many well-qualified, hard-working people who struggle to find meaningful work. It’s important to put your situation in perspective and not rehearse negative thoughts. Kick self-deprecating thoughts to the curb and remind yourself of your strengths. Focus on leads and again, try to be optimistic. Not only is optimism more enjoyable, it’s also good for your health.
Related Articles:
http://www.apa.org/pi/ses/resources/indicator/2012/04/unemployment.aspx
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-mindful-self-express/201110/preserving-mental-health-during-unemployment
http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2014/06/the-mental-health-consequences-of-unemployment/372449/