Are you depressed? Do not be conformed to the world of unemployment, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Learn how to win the battle between your ears.
7 Tips to Train Your Brain for Gain.
As you think in your heart – so you are. Do not think of yourself as unemployed –but rather consider yourself fully employed – seeking your next work assignment and working to find the best right job for you at this time. Read and feed your brain positive thoughts every day.
Work it out baby, now. Twist and shout! Physical exercise is one of the best ways to strengthen not only your body but also your mind. Working out – cardio, stretching and weights – helps you expel negative feelings and build positive confidence. Check with your doctor, start slowly and be consistent 3-5 times a week.
Eat right – be bright. Good nutrition helps you think with greater clarity and confidence. Drink more water – and less stimulating caffeine and less depressing alcohol. Eat more veggies and fruit – less fat and less calories. The better your food and drink, the better your brain will think.
Give your brain a break. Sleep 6-8 hours a night. Take a 20-minute nap in the afternoon when you need it. Too little sleep will fry your circuits. Too much sleep will feed depression. Your brain needs just the right rest to rebuild.
Just do it. When facing a big obstacle on the course, the instructor said, “It’s not better later. Jump now!” Better to strike out swinging, than to stand still and be struck out. He who hesitates, waits some more. Be a good steward of your thoughts – turn them into actions – now!
Get a buddy – be a buddy. Many of us, when unemployed, want to hide. Seek friends instead. Meet people. Greet people. Eat with people. Receive their help, and give them help. Good friends bring strength and encouragement through the ABCs of fellowship – Accountability, Belonging and Caring. Get a buddy and be a buddy – today.
Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Sounds counter-intuitive, doesn’t it? Exercise the fact and the faith that God is in charge. You can trust and obey Him. Your feelings will follow your faith.
Press on Toward the Goal.
“Pressing on” requires personal strength training, which creates much needed energy and endurance. You will need to build your strength for the journey ahead – and with strength comes courage. Consider this formula for your own personal strength training.
Eat Right, Exercise and Get Plenty of Rest …
Physically - Pay attention to your nutrition; reduce or eliminate caffeine and alcohol. Exercise 3-5 times a week, if your doctor approves. Get at least 7 hours of sleep a night.
Mentally - Feed your mind good thoughts. Spend time with good friends. Do things you enjoy. Be sure to spend some time alone to rejuvenate. Do nothing and give your brain a break.
Spiritually – Spend time alone with God every day by praying and reading the Bible. Start with 10 minutes, and then go to 20 minutes or more. Get together with others for Bible study, prayer and fellowship.
Get Help for Other Pressure Points
Financial stress can turn a difficult situation really sour. Two ways to alleviate financial pressure are to earn more and spend less. Since you have more control over spending than earning, look at your spending habits and financial obligations. If you don’t have a budget, create one. Alter your lifestyle to live within your means. If you have debt, add it up and pay it down.
Family problems might get worse in the midst of a career crossroads, but they can also improve! Husbands and wives have opportunities to love, respect and support one another. Communication, collaboration and commitment are critical components to working together. Do not withdraw, but rather stay connected not only to each other, but also to family, friends and church.
Personal issues can be faced better with someone with whom you can talk. Find a person who cares about you, who you trust, who has no vested interest in what you decide, and who seems to have competency to help: your church pastor or care ministry, your best friend or a professional counselor. Be careful about forming friendships with the opposite gender outside of your marriage.
Press On
As you press on toward the goal, remember the ultimate source of help and strength …
But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles;they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31
