We already know: Research links unemployment and poor health. When you've been job searching for a lengthy period with no job offer, you face several impacts.
It's still important, however, to care for your health and well-being.
If you're interested in staying as healthy as possible throughout this unemployment transition, then here are some tips.
Unsplash Photo Courtesy of Tongle Dakum.
1. Seek Silence and Solitude Daily.
The best thing you can do to take care of yourself is: withdraw from the TV, from the laptop, from the telephone, for solitude.
These moments provide great opportunities for meditating on Scripture, listening to music, or sitting quietly.
Here are a few benefits:
• Reflection
• Peace and Strength
• Rejuvenation
2. Improve Your Self-Talk.
Here's a fact for you: Dr. Lee Pulos, a clinical psychologist, found self-talk consists of
"150 to 300 words per minute or 45,000 to 51,000 thoughts a day!"
Many of these words aren't helpful or truthful. They don't add anything valuable to your life.
If you tell yourself you're a failed loser who'll never land a job, for example, then you'll believe it. And, you'll find it difficult to move forward in unemployment.
Capture this kind of talk. Express it in a way aligning with truth.
So, instead of believing you're a failure because you can't land a job, you'll express this differently: Yes, I've failed to land a job so far, but I believe there's a job out there for me -- somewhere.
Unsplash Photo Courtesy of Jake Ingle.
3. Practice Gratitude.
Being grateful is hard when times are tough. But, it's one of the healthiest practices around.
With gratitude, your focus changes to the good things you have. This attitude choice results in several health benefits:
• Managed Stress. You manage your stress levels better when you focus on your good gifts.
• A Boosted Immune System. Gratitude is associated with optimism. And, optimism is associated with a better immune system.
• A Stronger Heart. Anxiety and stress contribute to heart disease. But, a "grateful heart is a healthy heart."
I encourage you to practice gratitude, if you don't already. Think about the good things in your life and give thanks to God for His provision.
4. Feed Your Body Its Fuel.
What fuel does your body need? Food.
Carolyn Denton, a licensed nutritionist, states the following in her article, "How Does Food Impact Health."
"The food we eat gives our bodies the 'information' and materials they need to function properly."
StokPic Photo Courtesy of Ed Gregory.
Food provides the carbohydrates, fat, fiber, nutrients, and protein your body needs. Energy, growth, and bodily task performances are the results.
When you don't give your body the fuel it needs, you become frustrated and irritated easily. So, remember to eat every day!
5. Quench Your Thirst With Water.
The International Bottled Water Association predicts bottled water will outsell other packaged drinks this year.
Why has water become a popular beverage? It's a healthy drink.
According to Women's Health Magazine, water does a few things for the body:
• Regulates body temperature.
• Cushions joints.
• Releases waste through sweating and peeing.
Creative Commons Pixabay Photo Courtesy of Hans.
Dr. Robert Higgins says, in a Health Magazine article, the amount of water required varies by person because several factors come into play: sex, age, environment, and diet. So, when considering how much water to drink, you should pay attention to your thirst and the color of your urine.
6. Get the Sleep You Need Nightly.
Want to feel more energized? Sleep.
In Dr. Robert Rosenberg's article on Everyday Health, he provides several reasons to get more sleep: a better working immune system, improved memory, and better emotions.
You need about 7-8 hours of sleep nightly. So, as your bedtime nears, wind down and avoid distractions.
7. Protect Your Eyes from Digital Eye Strain.
If you spend a significant amount of time (more than 2 hours) on a digital device, then you're familiar with eye discomfort. You should do what you can to protect your eyes.
Here are two tips:
• Look away from the computer. Eye breaks help reduce eye and muscle fatigue. Give your eyes the break they need by looking away from your computer screen every 20 minutes.
• Blink. Be sure to blink often. Regular blinking moistens your eyes and lessens the strain. You can also lessen dry eyes by using lubricating eye drops as needed.
8. Stay Physically Active.
Physical activity reduces your risk for chronic diseases. Now, you don't need a gym membership to stay active.
You can move about in several ways.
• Cleaning the House. When you lift and clean, you're actively moving. It's a workout when you add speed.
• Stretching. Stretching improves your posture and flexibility. It also results in less pain.
• Running or Jogging in Place. Running and jogging in place are always options for movement because you can do them inside or outside.
Unsplash Photo Courtesy of Freddie Marriage.
9. Tickle Your Funny Bone.
You read it right!
A good, wholesome laugh is a gift. And, it comes with a few health benefits according to Best Health:
• Burned Calories.
• Good Feelings.
• Heart Disease Protection.
All together, laughter is a mood booster and stress diffuser. Don't hesitate to laugh or smile more.
Conclusion
Unemployment is one of life's stressful situations, but you must take care of yourself. I've provided 9 tips for staying healthy throughout this transition. Please don't neglect your health and well-being any longer.
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