College graduation is quickly approaching, and while it’s a time of celebration and achievement, it can also be the pivotal moment right before post-graduate depression kicks in. Graduating college is a huge transitional period for young adults as they start to work tirelessly to enter the “real world.” Stay ahead of the post-grad slump with these 5 tips:
1. Make a Timeline
A visible timeline is key to keeping yourself busy and on track while securing your first post-grad role. Setting soft deadlines for yourself allows you to keep your efforts organized and meaningful. For example, if you graduate in May, you may want to set the goal of having 20 applications submitted by the second week of June. Utilize resources for finding a job to determine if your goals are realistic and achievable.
2. Look good, feel good
It goes without saying that when you look your best, you feel your best. Take time to care for your appearance right after college, whether that means getting a fresh haircut or treating hair loss, so you enter the adult world feeling the most confident. You should also create a consistent skincare routine to follow every night to keep yourself pampered and feeling excited to show your face. Exercise is a key ingredient to feeling good. The Department of Health and Human Services recommends that everyone engages in at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day to ward off stress and boost their mood. So, get out there and find your favorite way to stay fit! These small adjustments should help you feel good and ready to impress.
3. Keep a positive mindset
Make sure you’re taking care of your mental health during this stressful period of your life. This could mean spending time with your family and friends to get some daily laughter in, or meditating in the morning to start the day with an open mind and heart. Therapy is another great option for staying on top of your mental health. Whatever it may be, know that it’s okay to take a deep breath and just trust that you will find the right opportunity to use your degree.
4. Enhance your skillset
During your downtime between graduating college and finding a job, why not pick up some new skills? There’s plenty of online classes and certifications available to learn something beneficial, like Excel or graphic design. Continuing to learn after college is not only good for your brain but is also a way for you to stay motivated and dedicated to bettering yourself, which will make you feel accomplished.
5. Reward yourself
Motivating yourself with rewards is a wonderful method for staying on track and holding yourself accountable. When you achieve a milestone in the post-graduate process, make sure to celebrate, even if it’s small. If you have something to look forward to then you’ll be less likely to find yourself in a funk.
With the help of these tips, recent grads will be able to dodge entering a post-grad depression. Start these practices as soon as you can in order to maximize productivity, feel good, and start your first career with a positive mindset!
