Mental Health Resources for Employees Who Go on Furlough or Are Laid off
Share your thoughts and feelings – It is important that you don’t isolate. Your brain is physiologically designed to connect with others. It is essential for your survival. Processing thoughts and feelings with someone you trust, or a counselor helps you think and plan clearer and smarter.
Maintain healthy routines – Keep your routine even though you are not going to work.
Keep the same routine before and after you get up from bed.
Sleep 8 hours a day – Good sleep strengthens your immunity system.
Eat at the same time you did before, during, and after work.
Make sure to make your bed right after you get up from bed. Also, only use your bedroom to sleep. Do not use it for watching news or movies, doing your budget or paying your bills. It’s all about association for the brain. If the brain associates your bedroom only with sleep, you will sleep better.
Open your curtains and let the natural light illuminate your bedroom.
Make a daily schedule – develop a to do list and do it. Make a list of all the projects that you had for your house with time limits and deadlines.
Don’t isolate – Substituting the office as a primary source of social interaction with phone calls, social media, or watching the news often is tough. Maintain contact with your family and friends through social media or telephone.
Develop a talent – All this time that you wanted to learn how to draw, well now you have the time. Put it as part of your daily schedule.
Go for a walk – Walking increases your fitness, reduces health risks such as stroke or heart diseases, strengthens your bones, and improves your balance.
Keep a journal – Writing makes you feel good. It helps your brain process difficult emotions such as anxiety and feelings of depression.
