Recession and the economy have affected a lot of people in so many different ways. From companies having to let go of their employees to stores and businesses shutting down, there are so many people getting affected by the recession. All these are falling into the income versus spending cycle; where companies are laying off people and due to that people are unable to spend and this lack of spending is causing businesses to shut down. With things being so bleak and people getting frustrated with joblessness, one of the option that has presented itself is relocation. While looking out for employment people are presented with the choice of taking up a job outside of the place they have settled in or gotten used to. It is not easy to relocate and start over in a new place. To help a person adjust better here are some tips on adapting to the change:

1) Release yourself from your comfort zone: When we have stayed in a place for a while, we tend to get so used to the place that it becomes our comfort zone. And change becomes difficult to deal with.  So when taking up a new opportunity outside of the comfort zone a person has to be open to that change. A person has to release him/herself from that comfort zone to accept the change.

2) Do your research: A new place offers a lot of new things to learn. Research and try to understand the culture of the place and the people. When a person is equipped with information and knowledge about the new surroundings he/she can be prepared and adjust better.

3) Unblock your mind of any prejudices: From our understanding of things around us we sometimes develop preconceived notions and prejudices and judge things based on these. While having the ability to judge is a good thing, letting that judgment be clouded by biases is something people have to overcome. When a person can overcome these prejudices he/she will be more open to the new environment.

4) Be positive: It is understandable that relocation is not a pleasant thing. But, looking at things on the bright side will help a person adapt to their new surroundings better. Looking at the possible positives, from the place having better prospects for growth or for learning new things or for better job satisfaction, etc. would help create a positive outlook and approach towards the new place.

Go out and make that big move and pave the way for a better brighter future.

By,
Mary-Ann Roche

Tags: new job, relocate

When life hands you a situation that is tough, you may need to lean on other people for comfort. But what if you’re the person that needs to provide the shoulder? It is a difficult job being the one that stays strong for the other person.

How you provide comfort will vary depending on the person you’re comforting and what it is they’ve gone through. However, there are basic tips to keep in mind when you’re consoling someone.

Here are some strategies to follow that can help you provide much-needed comfort to those you care about:

1. Uplift them. When someone is asking you for comfort, chances are that they’re not asking you for advice.  In reality, they just need someone to be there to satisfy their emotional needs.  Do not try to solve their problems unless you’re asked for advice. In that case, you’re free to provide any advice that you may feel you have to offer.

2. Listen well. It’s a good idea to try to develop your listening skills. Being a good listener is truly striving to understand what the other person is trying to express to you. Remember that you can provide a large degree of comfort just by lending an open ear to the person who is suffering.

3. Offer your unconditional help. Sometimes it can be a comfort just to know that the other person is there.  Tell the person that’s suffering that they can openly discuss their problems with you at any time they need help to get through the day.

4. Share a hug. It will depend on the relationship that you have with the person you’re comforting, but you can provide physical comfort with a hug. Hugs simply make people feel better and warm the heart! The human touch can melt the soul and say so much without words.

5. Be understanding. You may not know what it’s like to go through the particular tough time that you’re helping with, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t understand the pain they feel. Do your best to try and understand where this person is coming from.

Understanding Grief

If you’re helping a person deal with loss, you’ll also be helping them with their inner grief. Grief is a natural emotion to go through when you find yourself facing such things as a traumatic loss.

If you gain a better understanding of grief, you may be able to offer your comfort in a helpful thoughtful manner.

Stages of Grief

There are different stages of grief and different people spend varying amounts of time on each stage.  No two people are the same so there are no hard and fast rules.  Often the stages aren’t even expressed in the same order.

Grief normally starts with the initial shock of the loss, then accompanied by denial.  Then pain and anger sets in, which can last for long periods of time.  Depression can often set in before the person journeys into acceptance.

While you don’t want to push a person through the stages of grief too fast, do whatever you can to help them along the journey to acceptance. When a person is angry, be an open ear and reassure them. Help them see their problem or loss from a different perspective.

Depression can be difficult to overcome since the person tends to lose interest in the world around them.  Having you to rely on can make a difference. Show them that the world hasn’t given up on them, so they shouldn’t give up on themselves either.

With your support, and the help of a professional, eventually they will come to terms with and accept their loss.

By MaryAnn Roche.

Tags: comfort, depression, emotional support, empathic, grief, sadness, Unconditional Love, understanding