Caring for Yourself and Your Mental Health During a Job Search
Job searching can feel like a job itself. Filling out countless applications, cold outreach to recruiters, and cramming an already busy schedule with more interviews - it’s no wonder why job seekers get fatigued.
Job search burn out is real. And just like an athlete training for a marathon; rest and recovery is just as important as the activity itself. Take a breath, here are ways to take care of yourself and mental well being while on the hunt.
Develop a Search Plan
The current job market requires a strategic approach to turn your applications into job interviews and offers. It helps to start your search by defining goals, tools, and priorities to guide you. Not having a plan can result in disorder, making it difficult to organize what needs to be done, which often leads to anxiety and frustration. When you approach your job search, outline your plan or consult a professional to create job search strategy.
Take Breaks Regularly
Rest and recovery is often as important as the action itself, hence why our bodies need 7-8 hours of sleep each night. Take breaks from doom scrolling, mass applying and yes, even LinkedIn. Get creative incorporating helpful practices and taking breaks by:
Setting an alarm for each task (eg. 1 hour of applying before taking a break)
Taking 1 day off a week from all things job search related
Turning off email or job board notifications for evenings or weekends
Spend Time Doing What You Love
Make time for things in your life outside of job searching. Hobbies are important for keeping our minds creative and calm. You might practice a hobby in the mornings to start your day off positively or incorporate your hobby during breaks in the day. Personally, I find reading a book everyday helps me stay centered and keeps my mind sharp. Relaxing hobbies can also include:
Listening to music
Cooking
Painting, drawing, knitting
Reading books or blogs
Ask for Help
If there’s one thing this market has shown us, is that a long job search can impact all professions and walks of life. You are not alone in this job search and now is the time to connect with fellow job seekers, your community, family and friends. Gaining perspective from others can help you combat job hunting depression. If you feel like you need additional help, seeking out therapy is an excellent option.
Exercise Regularly
Adding exercise into your regular habits provides a positive endorphin boosting activity that can add positivity to your day. Regardless of athletic experience, there are many forms of exercises that you can do. Running is a favorite exercise of mine and on evenings I like to take walks. Boost your mood with these full body exercises:
Walking or Running
Cycling
Yoga
Stretching
Swimming
Practicing Mindfulness
Practicing mindfulness can help you manage stress, control negative emotions and enhance self-confidence. There are many ways you can practice mindfulness either through yoga, meditation, and journaling for example. These are low cost ways to reduce stress and take time for yourself.
