A well spent few hours…….
Christmas remains a wonderful time of the year even in these volatile economic times…
One of my fondest memories of 2016 will be spending a few hours at the annual Christmas Bash for Thera East Midlands TEM. TEM provides support to adults with a learning disability and the party before Christmas gives those we support and their supporters a chance to spend some time together and have some fun.
Time spent making awards and of course consuming food was punctuated with raffle prizes, music, games and stalls like old favourites ‘the bucking reindeer’. Over 200 people were present and the atmosphere was truly joyful as everybody participated in the simple pleasures
Just a wee bit of the technical stuff…
Everybody was having a good time, and there was a real sense of joy in our work. The bond between those we support and those supporting them was clear to be seen. How was this happening? Quite simple: our basic human need for social contact was being nourished…
Psychologists explain that our need to affiliate and form social bonds is wired into our biology: When we make a positive social connection, the pleasure-inducing hormone oxytocin is released into our bloodstream, and this in turn reduces anxiety and stress while improving our concentration and focus.
What does this matter to your job search?
Exactly the same principles apply in the workplace – or the lack of it…
Remember that in the midst of challenge and stress, nothing is more crucial to our success than holding on to the people around us. Lose your job and you may lose many of your connections at a time when it’s vital that you have social support to help you through what will in many cases be a very difficult time…
But it’s Christmas…
At no time is this more evident than in the festive season. During this time of goodwill to all, if we look closely is the real pleasure to be found in the time we spend with friends family and colleagues? May I thank all of you who have read my material and wish you all a very Merry Christmas…
