Yikes! I’ve lost my daily routine
Losing your routine happens after job loss. You can overcome the disorientation by following these foolproof steps.
One challenging aspect of job loss is losing your daily routine. You no longer need to get up at a certain time to be at work. You can sleep in until noon if you want. But deep down that’s not want you really want.
You want a sense of normalcy. A routine. A sense of belonging.
Unfortunately, we are creatures of habit. We tend to drive the same route to work. To sit in the same general area at church. To cross the same leg on top of the other.
When your routine has been abruptly disrupted, you can feel disoriented and depressed.
The good thing is that you can form new habits during this time of transition while keeping the best of your former routine. James Clear is the expert on establishing habits. Check out his book, “Atomic Habits” at the library or bookstore.
Finding a new routine after job loss
Establishing a schedule will provide you a sense of normalcy during transition. Follow these eight steps to get started.
- Go to bed and get up at the same time. Keep a consistent sleep schedule. You need to be well-rested to thrive during this transition. If it now seems unnecessary to go to bed at 9 p.m. to wake at 5 a.m., then chose a bedtime that will allow you to get seven to eight hours of sleep.
- Treat finding a job as your job. Where you previously went to work, schedule time for your job search. This is your new job. You need time to search for jobs, apply to jobs, research and prepare for interviews, interview and write thank-you cards. End your job search at the same time your workday previously ended. Enjoy your evenings with your family or friends. Give yourself a mental and physical break from the job hunt.
- Schedule regular meals. Fuel yourself with nutrition so you can heal and move forward.
- Network. It’s tempting to hide away inside your home, especially after Covid when you may have already worked from home. But you need to meet with people either face-to-face or via Zoom. Make at least one weekly appointment for coffee with someone from your former career circle or perhaps a field you are interested in pursuing.
- Volunteer. Helping others can give you a boost of endorphins. Find a cause that is dear to your heart and give of your time and talent. You could consider United Way if you want a cause that has business connections.
- Exercise. Now that your schedule is open, be sure to include exercise. The daily grind of work can edge out taking care of yourself. Now you have been given an opportunity to take walk. Go to the gym if you have a membership. Exercise will help you de-stress and be in shape to handle the challenges ahead.
- Schedule screen time. You can spend one week binging on Netflix. But after that, set a limit on how much mind-numbing TV you will consume, or else it will consume you. Same for social media. Don’t get stuck watching the videos that Facebook/Meta sends your way. One job seeker did not watch TV until after 5 p.m.
- Pursue a hobby. One woman whose job was eliminated during Covid decided to take up painting. She watched videos and quickly discovered her talent. What activity have you always wanted to pursue but lacked the time? Hobbies can help restore your creativity and renew your spirit.
Finding a sense of belonging
You’ve lost that sense of belonging at work, where you gathered around the proverbial water cooler. You’re no longer part of the team and that isolation can be depressing. Reach out to someone who may not belong or may need encouragement. Maybe the elderly neighbor who has no visitors. The awkward tween with few friends. The overwhelmed mother of twins.
Make social connection with someone outside of your job search. You may find this to be a refreshing break as you give to someone else.
No doubt, losing your job is a traumatic experience. You’ve also lost your routine which can leave you feeling perplexed. Establishing a new routine will help you regain your confidence and move toward your next step. You can fill it with activities that you have always wanted to do but never had the time, in addition to your job search. You may be delighted to see what will unfold.
A pin for you
