How to Stay Positive

In the recent economic downturn, it can be easy to get down about things especially if you’re one of the thousands that have lost their jobs. Here’s a list of a few tips that have helped me in the past few weeks.

1)      Be grateful for what you have. It may not seem like you have much, but the best way to stay positive is to concentrate on the good things you do have. Try to think of three things you are grateful for each day, it can be anything at al from being given a piece of chocolate to your health. You’ll feel better when you realise that things aren’t quite as bad as they seem.

2)      Remember there is always help out there. Talk to your friends and family, if they can help then accept the help, if they can’t then a problem shared is still a problem halved. Remember there’s a plethora of places to turn to if you find that you need help, from citizen’s advice, to job centres to charity lines there will always be someone willing to hep if you ask for it.

3)      Be Active. Send out your CV to as many companies as possible (but make sure you have a good CV first) and apply to as many jobs as possible. If you went to university and still live near it, then you may be able to make an appointment with a careers advisor. If you can then make an appointment, they may be able to give you opportunities that you wouldn’t have thought of. Remember, some job centres also provide career guidance. Do what you can think of to get that job.

4)      Keep a journal to track your emotions. This may sound like something a thirteen year old girl would do, but writing down how you feel can be a great help when trying to stay positive. If you find your self feeling scared, then write down what your fears are and the best ways you think are to over come them. Just admitting that you’re scared can often make you feel better.

5)      Make Realistic Goals. If you’ve just lost your job then it could be a great time to challenge yourself, but don’t make unrealistic goals. Think about what you want but be realistic about what you can achieve.

6)      Do Voluntary Work. If you can afford it, volunteer some of your time to a local charity. Not only will it look great on your CV but giving back will really help you feel better about yourself.

7)      Don’t blame yourself. It is important to look back at your old job and if you see places you could have done better, acknowledge it and move on. It’s easy to see where mistakes were made with hindsight, file it under experience and learn from your mistakes, but don’t blame yourself. Everyone makes mistakes, and learning from them just make us more prepared for the next time. Or if you don’t get that job you applied for, don’t be bitter about it. Some employers send out reasons for declines, if you receive one use it to create a stronger application for next time.