Revising our people policies

Losing your job is a form of grief for many people. For people who invest a lot of their time and energy into their work life losing your job not only creates financial stresses but can also have emotional and spiritual consequences leading people to question their priorities. Rather than let the situation hit you too hard, use these four tips to get yourself back on track.

Note down the positives in your life

Humans have a tendency to dwell on the negatives in their lives, using something psychologists describe as a negativity bias. This bias was extremely useful to humans in prehistoric times, helping them to recall dangerous places and processes but in modern life can be a less than useful trait. Write a diary where you record the useful and happy things in your life such as friends, family and pets and note the positives of unemployment such as having time to exercise, eat well and socialise.

Apply for new jobs

Don't leave it too long before you start applying for new jobs. Keep an open perspective: maybe your career in publishing leaves you in a great position to work in a library or bookstore. Picking up some work, even if it's not your dream job, can keep your finances up and help to get you out of the house and socialising with adults again. Volunteering is another great way to gain some professional satisfaction and experience and has been found to increase the happiness of people who participate not just the recipients.

Take on some projects

If you have previously have focused on your work life, taking on some new projects outside of work can help you to gain some outside satisfaction. If you have ever thought about writing a novel, running a marathon or learning and instrument this could be a great time to do so. Finding a project can also help open you up to new social contacts through clubs and groups, which can also help lift happiness.

Seek professional help

If you are still struggling to regain your emotional balance months after a job loss it can be sensible to seek some professional help. A clinic like Associated Psychology Services can offer you tricks and tools to help you to regain a positive outlook on life and deal with the stresses and trains of your life.

Remembering that this is a temporary stage and this too shall pass is a good way to approach job loss. Professional help can often be useful to help you finding emotional balance and happiness.