This New Year, rather than making empty resolutions like losing those last 10 pounds, spending less money on material items, drinking less wine (because we all know that last one most definitely won’t happen), or finding that perfect new career – let’s make a resolution we can keep. Let’s all make a resolution to simply be our best selves.
Whether it be mentally, physically, spiritually – however you feel you need to – it’s critical to remember that with all of the stresses, ups, downs, and time that can be spent seeking a new job, we must remember to tend to the one who matters most – ourselves!
Of course, self-care looks different for everyone, and, even for you, self-care may look different everyday. Self-care doesn’t have one definition or one “right way”. It’s intuitive; it’s unique; and it’s constantly evolving.
To give you a head start on your New Years resolution, we’ve put together a list of what we feel are some of the best self-care tips for 2019.
Take A Break From Social Media
Social media isn’t always all it’s cracked up to be. In fact, social media usage has recently been linked to an increase in mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety, especially in younger users.
Social media has a way of making us feel lesser than those around us, as we scroll through the feeds of our peers, watching their seemingly perfect lives. It instills feelings of jealousy and inadequacy, can have negative impacts on our self-esteem, and hinders our ability to connect with our peers in person.
Event though Social Media can be extremely useful in job hunting, try taking a break from social media, whether by simply reducing the hours you spend scrolling each day or cutting it out all together. You’ll be surprised at the effects it will have.
Know That It’s Okay To Not Be Okay
A big part of self-care is letting yourself have bad days. Not everyday can be a perfect, positive, happy day – and that’s okay. If you are feeling down and want to spend your weekend at home, alone, elbows deep into a tub of Ben & Jerry’s, that’s okay.
But it’s also important to realize when you are having too many of these days – that is when it can start to become a problem. If you feel you are continuously having more bad days than good, perhaps you could consider talking to a therapist.
There is no shame is seeking advice or help when dealing with your mental health.
Exercise and Eat Healthy
No, we aren’t saying you need to start hitting the gym 6 days a week and counting every last calorie you eat.
What we are saying is that taking a break from resume tweaking / job applications and getting outside and going for a walk and adding a few more fresh foods into your daily diet actually works wonders not only for your physical health but for your mental health as well.
Spend Time With People Who Genuinely Care About You
This one should seem obvious, but many people don’t seem to realize how toxic some people are for them. Constantly surrounding yourself with negative people can have a serious impact on your own mental health.
Instead, surround yourself with positive, supportive, and loving people. Eliminating negative and hurtful people from your life can help you regain confidence and self-esteem, and can even reduce anxiety and depression.
Be of Service
Help yourself by helping others – or animals, or the environment, etc.
Even though finding a new job has a selfish component to it, giving your time, energy, and love can help you feel empowered, and inspired. There is no better way to lift your own spirits than to know that you are doing right by others and that, because of something you have done, someone or something else is better off.
Do you have any tips to add to our list? Share your own self-care tips below!
