Losing your job is tough. Looking for work is humbling. It doesn’t help that the economy is soft, companies are slow at hiring and that every day you read about more people joining you on the unemployment line. Somehow, in all of this you have to survive. You can start the survival process by being happy (okay, being happy might be better said than done but it can be done.)
I had a disappointing “job hunting” day yesterday and I spent time feeling down (aka, sorry for myself). It’s okay to do that. I believe you have the right to get down but you have to get yourself back up again (and quickly). To help me get back up, I focused on five things. I thought I’d share, in case you needed help too.
1. Get Walking. Take 30 minutes to get outside. Whether it is to walk, run, swim laps, or ride your bike. Get doing something. The boost of energy and endorphins will help you feel better and reduce your stress.
2. Take Action. If you don’t like where you are at right now, take steps to bring change. You have to take action to make things happen and you can't wait around for someone else to make it happen. For those seeking employment, your actions should be to renew your social network sites, update your resume and re-post it on the various job postings and search engines. Attend local networking sessions. Attend online webinars to improve skills in areas you feel are lacking. Taking action will help you feel better about your current situation and will get you one step closer to finding your next job.
3. Spend time with family and friends. Being with others can help you through trying times and can help you feel better. When times are tough we tend to isolate ourselves (I know, I’ve done it). To be happy, now is the time to be surrounded by family and friends. Each week set time to meet someone for coffee, a walk, or a movie. Invite people over for dinner. A casual meal, filled with comfort foods and a setting where you can relax, talk, laugh, and even brainstorm about your situation can reduce your stress and get you back on track.
4. Volunteer. It is important to find meaning in a time when things may be difficult and you might be feeling meaningless. There are hundreds of non-profit organizations in your community that are going through hard times too (like you) because people cannot give as us much as they used to. Your time and energy donated to a local group will be a blessing to enhance their strapped resources. There are hundreds of ways to help: coordinate a food, clothing, or school supply drive, give of your time at local animal shelters, give blood, or mentor a young child are a few random ideas. Just call a local non-profit that you believe in and asked them what they need (simple as that). Taking time each week to give back will be great for the community and really great for you.
5. Have fun. When you’re not happy it is easy to skip having fun. Find an enjoyable activity and do it. Go to the park, eat a picnic lunch, attend a free concert in the park, walk a farmer’s market, read a book, or enjoy a sunset (pick a combination or all the above).
Life is too short to not be happy.
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