As a part of the downsizing measures to prepare for an impending global economic slowdown, companies are drastically reducing their workforce.
These involuntary layoffs are associated with increased anxiety, loneliness, and hopelessness. This is consistent with the research on how unemployment affects mental health issues. If you feel your self-esteem is dwindling and is impacting your mental health, it’s time to take action.
As organizations all around the world continue to be plagued by layoffs, here are some tips for self-care for those laid off.
Connect with your friends and family
In tough times, your friends and family should be your go-to for support. A strong connection with them means they’ll likely be there to help you emotionally.
Being in the company of loved ones and friends is beneficial in handling the stress associated with job loss more effectively. According to a Carnegie Mellon University study, people who talk to their family and friends about their difficulties have a healthier coping mechanism than those who turn to alcohol, cigarettes, or narcotics.
Give music therapy a try!
Music therapy can impact the brain’s resting activity and brainwave states similarly, influencing physiological processes that regulate the flight-or-fight response and autonomic nervous systems. It has the potential to facilitate transitions into brainwave states like Alpha, Theta, and Delta, promoting deep relaxation.
This relaxation fosters the body’s natural healing abilities and induces a profound sense of peace, aiding in hormone balance, mood regulation, and reduced tension and anxiety levels across the body-mind system.
Read extensively
A study exploring stress management techniques compared the effects of yoga, humor, and reading due to their easy accessibility. Results revealed that a brief 30-minute session of any of these activities notably decreased both physiological and psychological stress levels.
Carnegie Mellon University researchers discovered that a daily reading program spanning six months led to increased white matter volume in the brain’s language area. This enhancement in brain structure highlights the importance of cultivating a healthy reading habit for overall brain health.
Do yoga
Yoga effectively diminishes stress-triggering mental patterns such as remorse, regret, anger, fear, and depression. By alleviating stress, it also lowers the risk of various health concerns including heart attacks, eczema, sleep issues, and migraines.
This practice enhances physical strength, supports optimal organ-system function, bolsters resilience against stress and illnesses, while fostering peace of mind, balance, a positive mindset, and composure. These combined benefits contribute to a more fulfilling and healthier life for practitioners.
Keep a journal
Journaling emotions promotes deeper emotional expression. Studies suggest that writing serves as a therapeutic tool by establishing a connection between the mind and body. Through journaling, individuals articulate intricate feelings, bridging inner emotions with written words. This mind-body correlation serves as a conduit for healing and transformation in a person’s life.
Practice affirmations
When facing recent job loss, negative self-talk can become a common struggle. It’s crucial to cultivate positive self-talk as a daily practice. Start by recognizing situations that trigger negativity and reframe those thoughts into positive affirmations.
Shift negative thoughts into positive self-talk by reinforcing beliefs such as “I’m proud of my abilities and what I bring, no matter where my next opportunity lies,” and “I trust that things will fall into place, leading me to a job that aligns with my aspirations.”
Conclusion
Losing a job can be distressing, but prioritize your well-being and focus on activities that bring you comfort. Remind yourself that change is not permanent and there’s something positive ahead. Maintain faith in your abilities, and you’ll eventually reach where you’re meant to be.
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