As the world continues to recover and reset its norms after the Covid-19 pandemic, workplace expectations and career journeys are shifting. Employers and employees alike are grappling with managing workplace stress.
To avoid becoming overwhelmed at work, here are five tips to become your best self on your career journey:
Set an Intention
Set aside some time for quiet reflection and choose an intention to set. In other words, write down or say out loud a quality or purpose you want to cultivate. Here are some ideas:
- Identify and set your priorities
- Get to know yourself better
- Establish a strong foundation for who you are
- Stretch and visualize where you want to be
- Grow and learn new things
Then, begin to bring your vision for your life into sharper focus. With that sharp focus in mind, we can begin to build the momentum needed to step into a new or better path. Slowing with It – one day at a time, moment by moment through heightened awareness – we can begin to envision and choose the activities that will get us closer to closing the gap between where we are now and where we want to be in the future. If you can see It, you can be It.
As Robert Holden, Psychologist and Author in the field of Positive Psychology and Well-being, tells us:
When anyone faces a new beginning, addresses a blank page, and starts at zero again, it is likely they will meet their inner fears and doubts. The biggest challenges of our lives often stretch us beyond our self-image to something deeper. Who we think we are won’t win this challenge, but who we really are can.
Robert Holden
Nurture Your Mind When Feeling Overwhelmed at Work
Create new neuropathways for success. Visualization Is a technique that can empower our brains to change beliefs that limit us, resulting In optimism even in the worst of times. As Vicktor Frankl, Psychologist and Auschwitz survivor wrote in “Man’s Search for Meaning:”
Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms — to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.”
Manage Stress at Work by Being Kind to Your Body
Do micro 10-minute workout bursts throughout your day. Focus for 20 minutes, then take a break.
Focus on the Soul and Continue the Self-Care at Home
There are many ways to practice mindfulness and self care at home. A few ideas include:
- Keep a gratitude or other journal
- Focus on others
- Do random acts of kindness
- Reach out to your connections, at least once a day
- Volunteer and give back
- Slow down and reconnect with family and friends
- Network virtually with the people you need to meet – those having Influence, a mentor or advocate, decision-makers, recruiters, and those who can assist In furthering your career
- Read that book you’ve been meaning to read
- Explore continued learning – update your technology, project management skill, and other skills
- Learn to play an Instrument
And so much more – Brainstorm and see how many bullets you can add to the list that will bring you closer to your intention.
Reach Out for Help Along Your Career Journey
A common misconception about career counseling is that it’s only available for job placement support. In fact, career counseling can come in many forms, including a one-on-one coaching relationship for individual development. Career counselors can help you unpack workplace stress and realize a fulfilling career journey.
For more ideas, career and well-being support in this difficult time, contact JFCS Career Services and stay connected to your world.
About JFCS Career Services
JFCS Career Services supports job seekers and employers to create a diverse regional workforce. Have Questions? We’re Here to Help. Contact JFCS Career Services at (412) 422-5627 or visit careerservices@jfcspgh.org.