Change is never easy. Even a positive change like starting a new job can bring on feelings of uncertainty and anxiety.
Receiving an offer for a new job may bring you excitement, a sense of accomplishment, and even pride. But as the start date of your new job inches closer, you might also experience uneasiness, imposter syndrome, and worry.
If you’re about to start a new job and are experiencing some new job-related anxiety, it’s important to know that this is extremely common and normal. Of course, you’ll still want to put your best self forward when that first day comes around. Let’s take a look at some effective strategies for dealing with new job anxiety.
Allow Yourself to Feel
Instead of trying to ignore or dismiss your true thoughts and feelings, take the time to acknowledge them and allow yourself to feel. The sooner you admit to yourself how you’re feeling, the sooner you can work on changing those negative thoughts and feelings into more positive and productive ones.
Know that it’s completely okay to feel nervous or unsure about starting something new. Think about how you felt about attending a new class or starting your old job. The anxiety probably faded away as you got acquainted with the new position and became familiar with the people. The same thing will happen in this role—it just takes time!
Plan Ahead
A lot of anxiety comes from not knowing what to expect. One way to deal with some of this uncertainty is to acknowledge what you can control. You might not know exactly what your day-to-day will look like in your new role, but you can at least plan ahead with your morning routine.
If you’re attending a new job in person, try to plan out your morning by setting an alarm, getting ready, making your meals, and driving to your new office so you can better plan for traffic. Doing a test run is also a great way for you to explore the different options that are around the new office for potential coffee or lunch breaks.
Practice Mindfulness
Anxiety related to a new job is focused on worrying about the future. But you can’t control what happens in the future, so there’s no need to constantly stress about it. If only it were that easy, right?
Mindfulness techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can be a great way to bring your body and mind back to the present moment and help keep you grounded. Mindfulness helps you acknowledge those worries and fears without letting them take control.
Get Physical
Not only is physical exercise beneficial for your physical health, but it’s also a great way to improve your overall mood and decrease stress levels. Try to incorporate at least thirty minutes of exercise or movement into your daily routine. This can include activities like walking outside, completing a stretching or yoga routine in the comfort of your home, or attending a workout class with a friend.
Write in a Journal
Another great way to release some of those worries is by writing in a journal. You can write whatever comes to mind, or you can use journaling prompts to help guide you. You can also make a list of your achievements and successes as a reminder of why you received the job offer in the first place and why you’re well suited to start this new role.
Talk to Someone
Anxiety is common, but it shouldn’t take control over your daily life and routine. If this happens, you should consider seeking additional support. Working with an anxiety therapist can help you get to the root cause of these feelings and work through your experiences so that you can move forward personally and professionally. Reach out today to find relief for your anxiety.
