Maintaining Your Health and Well-being in Times of Crisis

 Becoming unemployed and worrying about the subsequent financial constraints can place a huge strain on the person affected and also on their family.

Excessive stress can cause problems with both physical and mental health. It is important to maintain a positive outlook, and where possible to continue talking part in activities and pastimes you enjoyed prior to becoming unemployed. The tips contained in the following blog entry can help you to remain fit and healthy as you search for your next job.

Talk to people who understand: While you might be more likely to talk to members of your family or friends about your financial worries, if they are not going through the same troubles as you and your family, they might not understand. It is for times like this that organisations like the Money Advice and Budgeting Service and Samaritans were established, so if you feel you need to, talk to the professionals and other people who can relate to your situation.

Keep Active and Exercise: While gyms and fitness classes can be expensive when you are living on a tight budget, you should still take time out to go for a walk, run or cycle. These free activities can be an excellent way of blowing off steam, and exercise releases endorphins which make you feel happy. This is an effective way of de-stressing and taking a break from writing job applications, CVs and household budgets.

Take a Break from job hunting or budgeting at the weekends: One of the reasons why people who are jobseeking begin to lose hope and withdraw, is because they spend every day searching for employment or worrying about money, until every day blends into the next, and it seems endless. One simple way of combating this, is to give yourself the weekend off from filling in applications, and writing cover letters, and spending some quality time with your family and friends. This simple act can give you a focal point to your week, something to look forward to. It also helps your week to have structure, as you are looking forward to your weekend off, just like everyone else in the working world.

Get Active in the Community

Remaining active and involved in a range of community or sporting activities can be beneficial for both your mental and physical health.

Meath Volunteer Centre can assist individuals interested in volunteering and remaining active in their community by matching you with community and voluntary organisations with suitable roles. Contact on 046 928 0790 or visit www.volunteermeath.ie

Meath Local Sports Partnership promotes sporting activity in the County and has information on all upcoming events. Contact on 046 906 7337 or visit www.meathsports.ie

Finally, if you believe your physical or mental wellbeing is at risk, or just want to stay connected, you can contact one of the following organisations:

Aware, who provide emotional and practical support to those affected by depression and related disorders. Tel: 1890 303302

Samaritans is an organisation who provides confidential, non-judgmental emotional support, 24 hours a day for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair. Tel: 1850 609090