#IntentionalPositivity: Treat Yourself !

Halloween is near, and the temptation of candy displays in grocery stores and in social media can cause unnecessary stress on us all. Choose to trick yourself into thinking that this is not a reality… OR, treat yourself by embracing ways to get through it.

A key to an effective job search is managing stress. INDULGE your career search by adding the following steps for maximum success!!!

I – Include DARK chocolate in your de-stressing diet: Eating a small amount of dark chocolate every day can reduce stress. Dark chocolate contains antioxidants which are key to health benefits including fighting heart disease and reducing the chances of developing cancer. Enjoy in moderation!

N – Neglect gossip: My dad used to say, “Don’t borrow trouble!” He taught me not to worry about trifle things that didn’t concern me. Idle conversation about others is the most destructive way to spend time, and no one benefits from it!! Period.

D – Diffuse difficult activities with easy rewards: When we dread the things on our “To Do” list, we shut down. One solution is to break up the task into bite-size pieces and celebrate each individual accomplishment! Ex: My husband and I had to clean out my late aunt’s home this summer. Walking into the home was overwhelming to say the least. However, we took the task one room at a time – one cabinet at a time. We worked in 40-minute shifts and then took 20-minute breaks. The easy rewards got us through the difficult activity!!

U – Understand you’re not supposed to solve all the world’s problems alone: We are women, and we do tend to carry the weight of the world on our shoulders! However, that’s really not our role in life. We are only responsible for ourselves, raising our children, our work, and our own relationships. This does not include terrorist attacks from other countries, world hunger, or anything that is beyond our reach.

L – Learn to let go: Determine if you can let go of an issue by asking yourself these questions: 1) Did I create the issue? If so, solve it quickly and move on. 2) Does the issue concern me directly? If so, develop a plan to solve the problem and move on. 3) Can I pray about it and then let it go? This applies to every situation. Act accordingly!

G – Gather with friends: If you don’t have any friends, consider joining a health club or other social group to meet some new people. You’d be surprised at how often our lives change and we lose touch with those close to us. Consider Skype or other virtual time with out-of-town friends. Get creative!

E – Exercise daily for mental, physical, and emotional sanity: Indulging in regular exercise helps your body, mind, and emotional quotient! If you’re cranky thinking about the future, it could be a sign that you’re not comfortable with the way your clothes fit. Get into a regular exercise routine and give it a few weeks and notice a positive difference in your attitude.

Embrace your indulgence and learn to treat yourself. You’re worth it!

 

#IntentionalPositivity

Laurie J. James is one of the only 16 Master Career Directors globally. She co-founded and presided over the Professional Resume Writing and Research Association from 2000-2004. PRWRA rebranded to Career Directors in 2005. Laurie has created 10,000+ job-winning resumes in her career. She is a credentialed resume & LinkedIn profile writer, seasoned public speaker and award-winning career image coach - www.lauriejjames.com.