We all had once dreamed of getting that first job and getting that first pay. We all used to want to grow up so fast and be adults that we may have just forgotten to live in the moment and appreciate the simplicity of life around us. The first time we get to come into work and be in the office can be quite overwhelming for many of us. Since it is a very different environment from what we are used to, it can cause quite a whirlwind in our minds.
Becoming a young professional can be quite exciting and intimidating at the same time. It is quite an adjustment from what we are used to in school. Even the workload and the environment can be overwhelming, and most young professionals are understandably stressed by all the new things that are happening. If you are a young professional and are going through a lot of stress right now, do not worry. I have a few tips that might help you and your mental health.
First things first, do not be afraid of the clock. It is understandable for your schedule to be a little crazy with all the deadlines and scheduled meetings. However, you should never be afraid of time. In this circumstance, time is your best friend. To make sure that you do not feel overwhelmed or stressed when dealing with deadlines or schedules, you have to unlearn procrastination, and you will have to learn how to prioritize the important things. When a report is due by four in the afternoon, you might want to skip that extra few minutes you spend on browsing through your phone.
The ability to manage your time and to prioritize can help you lessen any stress you may feel, and chances are your output is a lot better than when you cram that proposal you were asked to do. The fact that you are not racing the clock can help your mind be at ease and not work so anxiously. You can also strictly follow a specific time allowance for each of your tasks so that you get to do everything in the right place.
Another tip I have is to make sure that you can have a good night’s rest. Our thinking capacity and our logic can be impaired when we are not well-rested. The chances of you experiencing mental health issues when you lack the rest that your mind and body needs are higher than you might think. A chronic shortage of sleep can actually lead to mental conditions such as anxiety and depression. If you feel you can function better with little to no sleep, you are highly mistaken. Our bodies need to recover from the energy lost within the day, and if we do not allow our bodies to recover, we are putting ourselves in harm’s way.
Next, live a healthy lifestyle. When we live a healthy life, our mind follows. These two things, the mind and the body are always connected. So, when we take care of our body, our mind follows, and that can go both ways. Ensure that you are eating healthy and getting the right amount of exercise because this can significantly affect our stress level.
The last tip for today is to keep moving. It can cause undesirable physical and mental consequences when we are stuck at our desk for hours on end. So make sure that you insert at least 10 minutes every hour to put in a few minutes of walking or stretching can make a big difference for your health. Psychologists have found that these 10 minutes is an effective way to relieve anxiety and depression. Investing time in regular short walks can get your mind off work stress and help you reset.
From one young professional to another, I want you to remember that you do not have to rush into anything and that you are doing the best you can right now. Although I know that you are working hard to reach that goal and be successful, remember that your health should always come first. No amount of income or no amount of success can ever compensate for your decline in health. As I said, make sure to prioritize, and your number one priority should always be yourself. If you do need help, there is no shame in asking. May it be for work or your sanity, asking for help should never be something you should be ashamed of. Asking for help is much better than seeking for some alternative treatments for anxiety on your own.
I want you to remember from all this that you have to set your own pace—no need to rush anything. You will get there, so do not compare your journey with other people. Keep going.