Job searching can be stressful and time consuming. We get it! However, if you aren’t taking care of yourself during your job search, you will burn out and be worn down instead of energetic and eager. The best way to avoid this is to make sure you are dedicating some time for yourself! Here are 5 wellness tips that we at PA CareerLink® Lancaster County would suggest to any job seeker to keep on hand and practice while tackling the job search field.
Hydrate!
Hydrate regularly and often! Hydrating yourself not only allows you to feel more energetic throughout the day, but it also helps with focus and feeling refreshed along with keeping your immune system up. Make sure to take frequent water breaks to hydrate throughout your day.
Bonus tip! Hydration breaks are also a good opportunity to stretch your legs and take an eye break from screens.
Give yourself space
Creating a space that is dedicated to your focus work can help you stay focused throughout the day and boost productivity. Think about what type of environment works best for you as a working space. Does it need to be clean? Quiet? Do you need some background noise? Once you have an idea of what type of environment that you work in best, make the space your own! Having a space dedicated to your work time and that is created with your needs in mind not only helps with the productivity flow but also can help you manage stress
Find something grounding
Using a fidget like a stress ball, or a brief coping skill like 5 Senses (finding 5 things you can see, 4 things you can feel, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell, 1 thing you can taste) can be a good way to manage anxiety and stress, and keep you grounded in what is happening in the present moment. Staying grounded allows you to stay focused, calm, and level-headed when dealing with the ups and downs of job searching. Not only does this help your wellbeing, it also is a great aspect to show employers as well!
Take frequent breaks
Taking frequent 5-to-10-minute breaks throughout your day can be a valuable way to manage stress and boost your productivity as you will be more present and focused once returning to the task. Going for a brisk walk around the building, sipping on a cup of water, sitting and resting your eyes, and engaging in a relaxing activity like journaling or drawing can be good ways to relax during your breaks. Set a timer if you struggle with finding time to take breaks.
Bonus Tip! If you are feeling stuck on a project or writing a cover letter, taking a break can help your brain look at the project from a different perspective when you come back. This can help you with roadblocks in the process and help you overcome them to move forward in the process!
Eat your lunch!
We need to nourish our bodies with healthy foods on a regular basis. Making sure to take time for your lunch will help you feel more relaxed, productive and happy. You deserve to take care of your own needs. Take a moment to step away from the desk and mindfully eat a meal even if it is just a snack. This will help nourish your body and help you center yourself to gain energy and get back to the task at hand!
As you search for your next career pathway and opportunity, utilize these tips and see what works best for you! Job searching can be stressful, but there are ways to counter it to be not only less stressful but also productive!