Staying Mentally Engaged – Part II

In last week’s post, we posted a discussion on mental engagement. We shared tips to better health – which increases energy and equips you to engage professionally – as well as tips for making a plan and staying the course. Today we will talk about feeding the soul – you are more than your mind and body. Taking time to nourish your spirit and emotions equips you for mental engagement.
Feed the soul.
Allow time for creativity. Everybody – including you – is creative or gifted at something, whether it’s painting a masterpiece, running with grace, cooking – the list is endless. Take time to reflect on what brings you enjoyment and rejuvenation – then make time for it on a consistent basis.
Allow time for strategizing. Don’t be stuck in a rut – take time to evaluate where you are at, where you want to go, and strategize.
Avoid negative self-talk. Relentless demands and challenges can be overpowering. It’s easy to slip into the mode of negativity. Pay attention to what makes you irritable and/o stressed. Just recognizing the triggers can enable you to take specific steps to respond differently. Be honest, but don’t cut yourself down. Instead, chart a new path of response.
Express appreciation. Positive emotions and attitudes are contagious. Expressing your appreciation can be as beneficial to you as it is to the person you are recognizing. Consistently set aside time to say thank you, write a note, send an email, buy a lunch, etc. Make it the first thing you do every Tuesday morning, the last thing you do on Wednesday, or how you spend your Thursday lunch – you get the picture.
Understand and control your emotions. When you are in control of your emotions, the quality of your energy improves, regardless of external pressures. When negative situations are getting you down ask yourself these questions. How does this situation look from the other side of the viewpoint? How will I view it in six months, and how can I learn from this? Just gaining a new perspective will help you bring your emotions back on target.
Establish a purpose – mission statement. Take the time to think about what you consider important – what gives you purpose. Evaluate your life – does what you do match what you say? What steps can you take to change it? People who live what they believe have more energy and increased engagement in what they are doing.

Being mentally engaged professionally can be a challenge, but it isn’t impossible. Build on the keys we’ve discussed last week and today. Re-evaluate in six months. You will be amazed at your progress. Contact Springborn Staffing. We help mentally engaged candidates connect with clients in Bangor and Portland, Maine.

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