Losing a job is primarily a career setback, but it can have a lasting impact on an individual’s mental and social health. wellness. For a long time, the year 2022 will be remembered for the large-scale company downsizing that occurred in the technology and start-up sectors. More than 135,000 employees in these industries have been laid off in 2022 so far. For many people, a job is just that: a job. But for many others, it could be their life’s calling, their passion, giving them a sense of accomplishment and purpose. Losing it could very well leave them without a defined purpose and goal, impacting their happiness and long-term health. (Also read: Mental health in the workplace: causes, negative effect on employees, solutions )
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Prakriti Poddar, mental health expert and Global Head of Mental Health and Wellbeing at RoundGlass, suggests: “It’s important to take time to process your feelings and be sure this isn’t the end of the world. While your layoff may affect your current level of confidence and finances, it is in no way a comment on you as an individual and professional. In the long course of your professional and personal life, this is nothing more than a bump in the road.”
She says: “The only thing you need most right now is another job. But that takes time, and the journey to your next career destination could be challenging. It’s important to prioritize your well-being during this time and take care of your body and mind. Incorporate habits and simple wellness practices into your daily routine can help you gracefully overcome these challenges and improve your well-being.” Plus, she shared some simple tips for prioritizing your well-being to deal with career setbacks.
1. Accept your feelings: Recognize and identify setback and use it as a springboard to growth. Listen to your inner voice, follow your courage, and act with conviction even when the going gets tough.
2. Create a routine: At a time when uncertainty is your biggest challenge, the boring predictability of a routine can be refreshing and reassuring and provide you with an emotional anchor. Set an intention for each day and stick to a routine like the one you follow at work. This will help you stay mentally engaged and keep your energies focused on figuring out your next steps.
3. Stay connected: As you go through this difficult phase, it’s crucial to stay connected to the people who matter to you and who are close to you. Don’t hesitate to lean on them for emotional support.
4. Get moving and be physically active: Mental and physical well-being go hand in hand. Stay active throughout the day by exercising or doing chores to reduce anxiety and maintain a positive attitude.
5. Eat healthy: You may want to binge on chocolates and ice cream to feel better, but taking care of your physical health by eating mindfully will help you stay fit and mentally alert.
6. Try meditation and mindfulness: Embracing and learning something new may sound overwhelming at the time, but these proven practices make you less reactive and more resilient, and help you bounce back.
Use this experience to get out of autopilot mode and start actively drawing the road map to your next destination. Don’t stop at the “why” but the “what” and “what’s next.” Take a step back and look at the big picture to understand what worked and what didn’t. And how you can apply the learnings to ensure and improve your professional and financial well-being today and in the future.
Always trust your intuition, instinct and inner strength. As human beings, we are programmed to resist change, but pushing and getting out of our comfort zone is the only way to grow.
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