Job hunts can be long, they can be disappointing, and they can be expensive. Even the best of job seekers can get caught in the downsides of their search. Beyond using tools like JobHero to set your process, organization, and optimization ahead of the rest, here are 5 easy ways to make sure the hunt doesn't negatively impact your health:
1. Keep up a morning routine
If you want to stay healthy, active, and mentally sharp during a period of unemployed, it's critical that you wake up your mind and body the same way you would if you had a job. That doesn't mean you have to wake up as early as you normally would, but you should have a set time and process that gets you started every day to keep you in that proactive mood.
2. Sleep well
In the inactivity of a job search, you might find a late night TV or video game habit keeping you up, or maybe you're the type of job seeker that works late into the night. This is generally a bad idea. You'll eventually have to get rid of this habit and, in the meantime, you'll probably lose some of the good looks and strong wit that you'll need during interviews by throwing off your sleeping cycle.
3. Have a job search buddy
Going through the job search alone can be a chore and a mental drain. Too many people hesitate to find others to talk with throughout the process. Don't worry, everyone feels vulnerable! By having a pal, whether online or off, to talk through common problems and celebrate successes, you'll add a lot of positivity that will otherwise go missing from your search.
4. Keep up your hobbies
Whether it's an outdoor activity, dinners with friends, or weekly game nights, keeping up the things you enjoy during a job search means you still have moments to look forward to and events that will give you an energy boost. It's easy to start living like a hermit while looking for a job, but falling into this temptation is bad for your mental health.
5. Set aside hours for your search
Rather than being "always on" with your search, set times during the day that you'll dedicate to the process. Of course, you should always follow up on emails and calls as soon as you can, but anything else should wait until the designated period you've set aside for your hunt. Otherwise, the ups and downs of your search will start to leak into the rest of your day, which can have a negative effect on your family, friends, and stress level. Keep the search contained and you'll be able to treat it as a time where you need to be efficient, accomplish your goals, and, most importantly, move on when the clock hits a certain hour.