Health and Wellness Tips

Going back to work can be a stressful time for you and your family.  Many of us don’t think about keeping our mind and body healthy as an important part of the job search process.  But it is!        

So you have decided to go back to work and there is so much to do - and it can be overwhelming.  The process is going to take time, and there are going to be highs ("I'm so excited, I got an interview!") and lows ("I am really bummed, I didn't get the job").  During this time, it's very easy to ignore ourselves without even realizing we are doing it.  

So now is the time to pay special attention to self-care.  Eating a well-balanced diet, exercising and finding time to quiet our minds will help you stay focused and balanced. It's hard to convince someone you are excited for a position in an interview when you feel crappy because you're hungry, tired or you have filled your mind with self-doubt.   So go ahead and give yourself permission to treat yourself like a treasured friend or honored guest.   

Make an effort to eat well.  This blog won't go into any specific diet tips as there is a wealth of information on the internet on eating well.  Minimally, just make sure you are eating a balanced diet for the day and drinking plenty of water. Listen to your body. Try to stay away from foods that make you feel listless, tired or simply uncomfortable after eating them.  (For me, I have tried to limit my sugar intake while searching for a job because I feel better and more alert with less sugar.  But to be clear, CHOCOLATE is always a part of my day.) If you are so motivated, start a diet plan that suits your needs.

Make an effort to keep moving.  If you are someone who has a workout routine, keep doing it.  Avoid falling into the habit of skipping it.  If you don't, consider joining a gym, taking spin classes or maybe going to yoga is your thing.  It does not have to be an intense experience.   Even simply taking a walk for 20 minutes is worthwhile and does not cost any money.  According to a study by the University of British Columbia, regular aerobic exercise boosts the area of the brain that involves memory and learning.  So find something that works for you, and make a point of doing it a few times a week.

Make an effort to quiet your mind.   This is a time when that inner voice will be full of non-stop chatter.   And let's face it, a lot of it is not going to be helpful.   It will try to fill your mind with self-doubt, excuses to avoid taking action and thoughts like, "I can't do this."   So it is especially important for your self-care to spend some quiet time away from the distractions of the day.   Meditation and prayer are two excellent ways to quiet your mind.  It can be very grounding to spend some quiet moments outside if you have access to a quiet spot in nature. If you like meditation or would like to try, Oprah and Deepak Chopra have a wonderful meditation series that is free.  Their  21 Day Meditation Experience is an excellent guided meditation.

Remember, returning to the workforce is a marathon, not a sprint.  You will be able to go the distance by treating your mind and body with kindness.