Whether you’ve been out of the job force because of school, family obligations, or COVID, returning to the work world can be intimidating. So, developing the self-confidence that is essential for a good job interview, and climbing the corporate ladder is a skill you need to master. Thankfully, there are easy ways to build confidence so you’re ready to reenter “the real world” and achieve your goals.
Improve Your Work-Life Balance
It can be challenging to balance work with your personal life, but it’s essential to your mental and physical health. Finding the right balance can be especially hard when work is stressful. Try to find ways to reduce stress throughout the workday, such as taking a short walk during your lunch break or regular five-minute breathers. Using your vacation days and working remotely on occasion can also help provide a healthy work-life balance. Remember to establish boundaries you’re comfortable with.
Start a Realistic Fitness Routine
Not everyone has the time to spend an hour at the gym each day, but that doesn’t mean you can’t begin a fitness routine. Mayo Clinic notes that it’s recommended that adults get at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity each day. With a bit of creativity, you’ll find meeting this goal a breeze.
For example, you might park 5–10 minutes away from your office and walk the rest of the way each day. You can take the stairs instead of an elevator at work or when out shopping. Even parking further away on visits to the grocery store can add up. Parents could play active games with their children, like sports, tag, or hide-and-seek.
Investing in a cheap set of free weights can allow you to squeeze in 10 minutes of strength training each day, which is realistic for most people. You might invest in an exercise bike or treadmill, which can help you get in a few minutes of moderate exercise every day.
If you plan to purchase exercise equipment, it helps to read unbiased reviews of the various products available. There are numerous types of exercise equipment on the market, and quality may vary widely between manufacturers. Be sure to check what reviews have to say before spending your hard-earned money.
Eating Healthier
The CDC points out that eating healthier isn’t just about losing weight, although it can help. Eating right also means protecting yourself against illness by boosting your immune system and generally feeling better. If you are feeling generally unwell or lack energy, that can lead to depression and consequently a lack of self-confidence, so maintaining your health can actually help you feel more confident.
One simple way to eat better is to pack lunches for work instead of eating out. You can organize your lunches for the week on Sunday evening if your weekday schedule is too busy. As an added benefit, packing lunches can also save you money.
Evaluate Your Financial Situation
One of the biggest stressors is financial problems. They can affect your marriage, self-confidence, and work performance so getting a handle on your finances is a good way to increase your self-confidence. The first step in getting your finances under control is to know exactly where you stand. This is why most financial advisors start with the dreaded “B” word i.e. budget. But a budget is nothing more than a list of your income and expenses and a system to try to keep your expenses less than your income.
To help yourself get a clear understanding of your finances. Gather all your bills and debts together so you can make a new personal budget. If you find that you can’t balance your income vs. expenses, one way to reduce your monthly payments is by refinancing your mortgage. By extending the term, you can reduce your monthly payments (although you will pay more in the long run). If you can find a lower rate that will also reduce your monthly payment, but with interest rates currently rising, that is unlikely at the moment.
Expand Your Skill Set
Expanding your skill set can make you feel more confident in the workplace. Consider taking a few classes each week toward a degree relevant to your field. After you earn a degree, be sure to update your resume. Adobe offers a free resume builder you can use. You can easily create and download an updated resume with a custom, professional look. This can help you stand out in a crowded job market.
You can expand your skillset beyond your work life, too, by looking for local groups or classes aimed at life skills. Consider cooking classes, a financial seminar, or learning self-defense.
Reenter the Work World With Enhanced Confidence
Many people feel unsure about themselves following the social restrictions caused by the pandemic. It’s important to remember to give yourself a break. The tips listed above — including filling your antidepressant prescriptions online, prioritizing work-life balance, and getting in regular exercise — can help you build your confidence and improve your health so you can reenter “the real world” ready to live your best life and achieve your goals.
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