What are 5 strategies you can use to build your self-esteem?
Advertisement Become aware of thoughts and beliefs. Once you’ve learned which situations affect your self-esteem, notice your thoughts about them, Challenge negative thinking, Adjust your thoughts and beliefs, Spot troubling conditions or situations, Step back from your thoughts, Accept your thoughts # Five Strategies for Coping with Job Loss and Rebuilding Your Confidence
Jobs losses can cause the most motivated, goal-driven individuals to become stressed, anxious, and fearful of the future. It is an emotionally overwhelming experience that can take a toll on an individual’s self-confidence, leaving them feeling helpless and uncertain. Many people don’t know how to cope with job loss or rebuild their confidence. Below is an overview of five effective strategies for coping with and recovering from job loss.
## Step 1: Acknowledge Your Feelings
The process of coping with job loss starts with acknowledging your emotional state and taking the time to process your feelings. Reacting in a healthy and supportive way to such an experience will help you to build resilience. It is important to recognize that you are entitled to feel whatever your emotions dictate and then find a supportive outlet so you can express them. Talking to family, friends, or a support network, can be a great way to not only explore and work through your feelings but also, to redirect your energies and focus on the road to self-confidence.
## Step 2: Take a Deep Breath
It is normal to feel overwhelmed with the sudden loss of a job, especially when you were prepared to do it for an extended period of time. However, the best way to move forward is to take a deep breath, find some inner strength, and focus your mind. Take time to clear your mind and get perspective. Write down the thoughts in your head and try to comprehend them. Most importantly, understand why it happened and what you can do from there. Create a plan that will encourage your recovery and create an actionable roadmap for regaining your confidence.
## Step 3: Challenge Negative Thoughts
Oftentimes an individual’s self-confidence and self-value are defined by what they do and not necessarily who they are. When you experience job loss, it can be hard to not feel like a personal failure. To move forward and rebuild your confidence, it is important to counteract any negative thoughts or feelings you may have. Challenge yourself and do something that makes you feel good or productive. This can be anything from going on a walk or jog, doing a hobby, or taking a class. It is necessary to recognize that you are worthy no matter what your job status is.
## Step 4: Be Open to Opportunities
Another great way to cope with job loss and rebuild your confidence is to try to look at the experience as an opportunity for positive change. There may a new direction you can take your career or a new skill you can develop to make you more marketable. Connect with other professionals and industry contacts. Ask them for advice and use this period of employment transition to expand your personal and professional network. Take some time off between jobs.
## Step 5: Take Care of Yourself
It is easy to forget that self-care is still important when you lose your job. During this time, you can use the emotional and physical space you have to focus on your needs. Take steps to prioritize your mental health by investing in yourself and showing yourself some compassion. This could be anything from meditating, engaging with an art form or sport, or making sure to take breaks often. Making small improvements to your daily routines is a great way to start building the ground of your recovery and create the momentum you need to fight off the feelings of discouragement and rebuild your confidence.
Ultimately, job loss can leave even the most confident individuals feeling out of control, but understanding the framework of how to cope and rebuild your confidence, can lead you closer to success. By following these five strategies and taking proactive steps, you will be closer to finding comfort and security, giving you the confidence to face the unknown.
## Resources
– [Coping with Job Loss: Strategies for Recovery from a Major Life Transition](https://doi.org/10.1002/da.20374)
– [5 Ways to Rebuild Your Confidence After a Job Loss](https://www.forbes.com/sites/ashleystahl/2015/10/30/5-ways-to-rebuild-your-confidence-after-a-job-loss/)
– [Chabbott, Fran. Coping with Job Loss: How to Handle One of Life’s Most Difficult Changes.](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/124668.Coping_With_Job_Loss)