Ready to work with your energy levels
To work well with your own personal energy levels, it helps to balance any responsibilities you have with self-care. Self-care means looking after your feelings, energy and all-over health. Reponsibilities are tasks you have set yourself, whether they are to do with looking for work or growing as a person and a team member while at work.
Flexible working
When applying for jobs, look for employers that offer flexible or part-time working – or even working from home options. For example, McDonald’s offer flexible working that is perfect for working parents, people coming out of retirement or people who want to balance their work/life energy levels.
Honest communication
Honest communication is very important to both you and your future or current employer. It helps them to help you when your energy levels are not at full power, because mental health can affect your energy levels.
If you have mental health concerns, raising them with your employer is up to you. It is a big step and a decision you could choose to make after talking to someone who understands what’s involved. Large organisations tend to have HR guidelines for extra support you can get at work with mental health.
In job applications, always accentuate the positive when it comes to your strengths and achievements, but do not lie on your CV. Falsely pretending to be perfect can have a negative effect on your stress levels and personal confidence in the long run. It is better to think of how you overcame weaknesses or challenges in your studies, work experience, and employment. This is more honest, and shows off your valuable skills and strengths to employers. In fact, they may ask you to answer how you have overcome weaknesses or tough situations in your job interview!
It’s okay to ask for extra help. If you are currently in work, think about how your lower energy levels or mood might be affecting your work. Are you making mistakes, or putting off tasks, or struggling with timekeeping? If so, you could quickly communicate with your line manager. You don’t have to tell them how you are feeling if you don’t feel ready to. But you can let them know quickly that you are struggling. That means they can give you space if you need it, or more support that will help you progress. The work will still get done, because the line-manager knows what is happening and can make changes to team tasks as needed. But they can only help you if they know you are struggling with something.
Explore what boosts your energy levels
Is it thinking about something new, or maybe trying to do something new? Are your energy levels more positively affected by routine, variety, or a bit of both? Do you feel more energised when you have played to your strengths, or done something well, or had a break to recharge? Does your energy rise when you have completed an activity on your to-do list, or made steps towards something you were putting off? Get to know how you can raise your energy levels as part of your everyday routine.
Do something kind for yourself every day
Hydration, nutrition and rest are the basics that every body and mind needs to feel its best.
When it comes to recharging, do what works for you. A relaxing bath or shower can soothe the senses and help reduce worry. Entertainment can give you enjoyment and something else to think about. Social time with others or luxury time alone can both be forms of self-care. Looking for work or being in work can both take effort, so make sure you do a little of what makes you feel good every day to get a balance between work, rest and play.
Every day, make some time to treat yourself like you would treat a friend in need. You deserve it.
