One unusual but helpful self-care tip - write a letter to yourself about your job search. Write down your fears, your concerns, and your hopes. Then, read the letter aloud to yourself as if you were reading it to a close friend. This exercise provides focus, calm, and can help you gain perspective and provide emotional support.
My #1 piece of advice is that, as much as you may not want to, you need to treat job seeking as if it's a real job and take the appropriate time away from it in the same way that you would when working a 9-5 role. Job seeking burnout is real, and is something you need to avoid by ensuring you're taking breaks where necessary.
The clients who start their call off with, "I just don't know what I want to do" are the most stressed and anxious. Their search up to meeting with me has had no real target outside of getting a job. They are applying for randomly selected positions and then frustrated that they are not getting interviews and if they do, they are not getting hired. The challenge with that process is you can't celebrate any progress in your search as your target is the end result. This produces stress and frustration. When a job searcher takes the time to reflect on their career story they can identify what specifically they want, what their strengths are and what positions align with their values. This leads to elevating their mindset and job search energy, mimimizing the stress. The goal being each new gained insight in the journey. I have seen individuals go from no clear path to one that they never even thought of. Clarity re-energized their desire and confidence in their search.
Job searching can sometimes feel like riding an emotional rollercoaster. Once you are on board, it often feels like you are heading into the unknown. Consider approaching your job seeking activities as a project. The goal of this project? Get hired. All successful projects include a project plan. The plan outlines what will be accomplished, it identifies key stakeholders who will help you realize your goal and requires you to outline the steps and tasks needed to be successful. It helps you avoid the pitfalls of overlooked things like updating your resume and social profiles, preparing a cover letter, and tracking the places you’ve applied, and the responses you’ve received. Developing and following a project plan helps tame the stress and anxiety associated with job seeking because you've defined for yourself on how you will reach your destination. And like any plan, from time to time it may need to be adjusted as new information becomes available.
Taking time to destress every day can help minimize the negative effects of stress and anxiety that job seeking can induce. It's important to engage in activities that will reinvigorate you such as going for a walk or bike ride after a long day of applying for jobs. You can also color, listen to music or a podcast, cook, catch up with family and friends, or play board games. It may be tempting to binge watch TV episodes or go on social media to distract yourself, but these activities will not help you relax or re-energize.
Our mental health is important, and it can be difficult to cope when you are in a situation where you are out of control of your career path. However, the best way to cope with stress is to make sure you are self-aware and able to identify what triggers your anxiety. After you figure out what makes you anxious, come up with a plan to manage your stress. Some ideas include exercising, playing a sport, or doing a hobby that you enjoy.
Here are some tips to manage stress and anxiety during the job search: Take care of your physical health: Engage in regular physical exercise, eat a balanced diet, and get enough sleep. These practices can help reduce stress and improve your mood. Stay organized: Create a job search plan, set goals, and keep track of your applications. This can help you stay focused and feel more in control of the process. Seek support: Reach out to friends, family, or a professional counselor for emotional support. Talking to others can help you process your feelings and gain new perspectives. Practice self-compassion: Job searching can be tough, and it's important to be kind to yourself. Recognize that setbacks and rejections are a normal part of the process, and don't blame yourself for factors beyond your control.
Marketing & Outreach Manager at ePassportPhoto
Answered 3 years ago
Looking for a job always carries a certain level of stress, no matter whether it's your first or sixth job. Naturally, the best way to handle the stress of waiting for answers is to busy yourself with other tasks. Give your mind something else to think about and keep your hands busy. Perhaps it's time to give your flat a nice cleaning treatment, maybe you can finish that book you're reading a bit quicker, or finally find some time for a hobby you haven't practiced in a while.