It’s common to have a go-go-go mentality when starting in a new position. You want to make a good first impression on your new employer, prove yourself to your colleagues, and get a good head start.
This can often lead to a lack of self-care in the first few weeks or even months of starting a new job, which can lead to early burnout which you definitely want to avoid. Prioritizing your mental and physical health are crucial if you want to succeed, so don’t forget to take care of yourself.
Here are four simple ways to care for yourself when trying to start a new job.
Protect Yourself
First of all, when starting a new job, it’s always a good idea to be alert and aware to make sure that you’re being treated fairly.
A good starting point is to thoroughly read over your employment contract and look out for anything that doesn’t seem right. You might even want to get legal assistance – you can read more on this website to learn about what help you might need. Make sure you clearly understand your responsibilities, work hours, compensation, and other important details so that you know what to expect and can easily identify any issues.
Prepare Yourself Mentally
You might be receiving training when you start your new job, but that isn’t going to prepare you mentally or emotionally for this change. Taking on a new role, starting at a new company meeting a new team, etc., can all be pretty overwhelming and a lot to cope with.
Take some time to think about what lies ahead and how you’ll deal with any potential challenges. And if you have some anxiety about the new job, then working through that with someone you trust will help you to feel calmer and more confident when your first day arrives.
Establish a Healthy Routine
Getting sucked into the hustle and grind of a new job can easily make us forget about our normal healthy routine. You’ll want to be at the office early, work late to impress your boss, and end up neglecting other things that are important to you. What’s especially dangerous is setting the precedent that this is how you will behave in your new role.
It’s important to have a healthy routine around work. Spend time with your loved ones, working on hobbies, and try to still make time for exercise as well as preparing healthy meals.
Manage Your Stress
Finally, remember that stress is inevitable with a new job, but it’s crucial that you take steps to manage it. Talk through your feelings with a loved one, share your uncertainties with a new colleague you trust, or consider journaling your day-to-day to let off steam.
As mentioned, it’s also important to make sure that you have a good work-life balance from the very beginning. Being able to switch off after hours is crucial in order to keep your stress levels down and rest when you’re not on the clock.
