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(zombie)
SURVIVAL GUIDE
How to Survive tHe tranSition from ScHool to work
Emotional
Emotional stability of a corporate zombie will likewise deteriorate. They may suffer from: i. ii. iii. iv. sadness, fear increased tension and anxiety feelings of inadequacy apathy.
Behavioural
Different people exhibit different traits when turned into corporate zombies. These include: i. remarkable decrease in productivity ii. temptation to drink troubles away iii. increased irritability leading to relationship problems.
Physiological
The body of a corporate zombie will wear down over time due to its inability to rejuvenate itself. Fatigue will take its toll and it will suffer: i. migraines ii. ulcers iii. appetite loss or overeating iv. high blood pressure.
In the next pages are ten strategies which will inoculate you in the corporate zombie battle. They will strengthen you mentally, physically and socially. Complete mastery enables full and active lives as you transit from school to work.
Tough as it is on the frontline, a positive attitude makes the difference in every battle. Contrary to popular belief, positive thinking is a choice and it can be learnt. Everyone makes mistakes, so youre not alone. Treat each mistake as a worthy learning experience rather than failure. Apologise, remember the lessons learnt and pledge never to commit the same mistake again. With experience comes wisdom and knowledge that will help you make better decisions in the future. Challenge any negative self-talk with positive thoughts and find yourself on the way to better achievements and overall mental health. Remember that bad events are temporary rather than permanent and are mostly caused by extraneous, uncontrollable variables. Failing in one thing doesnt make you a failure in life.
(always.)
Psych-up!
Be ambitious, but get to your aim by breaking down the most daunting tasks into minute, more manageable steps. Clearing obstacles this way will keep you motivated and strengthen your confidence.
Prioritise
Minimise stress and tension by practising the art of prioritising. Plan what you need to do in this order of priority: Important and Urgent Not Important but Urgent Not Urgent but Important Not Important and Not Urgent
Define the amount of time you should allocate each week for work, personal downtime and social activities. For example, keep Sundays free from work for quality time with your family, or clearly demarcate days for exercise. Work smarter with such tactics in place so as not to sacrifice other key areas of your life.
A moment away from work doing something you like (e.g. exercise, play the guitar, read your favourite book) can do wonders in helping you recharge. Take deep breaths for a minute, focusing on your diaphragm. Feel your belly rise when you inhale and fall when you exhale. Finish the exercise feeling refreshed. Find humour in your predicament, or laugh away your stress with a funny comic strip, joke or comedy.
Enjoy me-time
Do deep-breathing exercises
Laugh
zz
zz
Losing concentration? Take a breather wherever you are. Just five minutes of deep, rejuvenating rest is enough to clear your mind. Give yourself a good stretch when you awaken from your snooze.
Sharpen your mind by channelling your attention to a single sound in the environment while focusing on your breathing. If youre listening to music, focus on a particular instrument. When you feel refreshed, give yourself a good stretch.
Commit to be fit
Infuse physical activity into your daily routine, be it at home, work, leisure or while commuting. Start slow if you havent been physically active. Here are some suggestions: alight a few stops early or park your vehicle further away and walk to your destination; take the stairs whenever you can, be it at home, the office, mall or MRT station. Aim for 150 minutes a week. Make it a way of life.
The time-tested Healthy Diet Pyramid from your health education classes can serve as a guide to determine if you have been choosing the right foods in the right portions. No one type of food will provide all the nutrients you need, so eat a wide variety in moderation and in the right balance. Eat regular meals so that your brain will have a constant supply of energy to think. Have at least three meals daily breakfast, lunch and dinner, and ensure these are well spread out. In a rush? Grab a wholemeal sandwich onthe-go. Or munch on fruit and vegetables at tea breaks for a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals. But whatever it is, dont skip your meals. Your habitual food choices can boost your health or increase the risk of developing chronic lifestyle-related illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension or high blood cholesterol all of which are detrimental in the corporate zombie war. The next time you eat out, remember: Less salt, less gravy, more vegetables, and snack on fruits instead of junk food.
HELLO
Open up
Share that piece of good news or simply talk about your day. Social interaction will expose you to more ideas, and you will find yourself no longer limited to your own beliefs and assumptions as you imbibe valuable advice.
... offline
We all know that smoking is bad. It is the cause of heart diseases, strokes and emphysema amongst many other health problems. Cigarettes are filled with poisonous substances like arsenic, cyanide and lead. Recent studies have found that smokers, on average, lose about 14 years of their lives to smoking. So dont spend money killing yourself, and people around you too. Alcohol is a mind-altering drug that some use as a social crutch. It can be psychologically-addictive too. Frequent and heavy drinking can cause learning difficulties and memory problems, and may over time result in a wide range of health problems from brain damage to liver disease, diabetes to sexual dysfunction. Need a drink? Set a drinking limit and stick to it. Drink slowly, with a spacer by alternating between nonalcoholic and alcoholic drinks. Eat before and during drinking, but avoid food that makes you thirsty.
Say no to tobacco
Say no to (over)drinking
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Be prepared for rainy days
Assess your ability to meet the expenses for now and the future. For example, you might really want that dream car, but if you cant keep up with installments then it might well be wise to put it off till later.
Do not let discretionary expenses wriggle their way into the mandatory category. It may be hard to plan for discretionary expenses birthday gifts, a night out in town etc. The most efficient strategy is to fix a percentage of your income for discretionary expenses, allowing you funds for fun without compromising financial security.
Define your goals for the future and start planning early. This will increase the likelihood of you meeting your long-term goals. You could also look to an accredited financial advisor, who can help you draw up a plan and put it into action.
Anything can happen, so do your bid to expect the unexpected. Start an emergency fund with reserves totalling three to six months worth of your salary. General and health insurance can also provide crucial support for unexpected situations.
Observations