Balancing job hunting with self-care: tips for managing stress
Job hunting can be extremely stressful and challenging; it’s a time-consuming process and this is why it’s essential to take care of your mental health. Here are a few tips for managing stress along with your job search:
- ESTABLISH A REALISTIC SCHEDULE
Create a schedule that limits your hours on the job search. When a boundary is created between your time and your job hunt, scheduling can be of a lot of help not only in better time management but also in focusing your research. This way you can give your clear and undivided attention to your job hunt. Setting realistic goals will provide you with direction and help develop your resilience and adaptability.
2. TAKE BREAKS
Don’t forget to take breaks in between. Incorporate short breaks throughout your day to stretch, move around, or engage in the activities you enjoy. Breaks can refresh your mind and prevent burnout. Taking a break is extremely crucial as it will increase your productivity, enhance creativity and reduce stress in the long run. This will help you unwind and relax your mind. A healthy body is a healthy mind and vice versa!
3. PRIORITISE YOUR WELL BEING
By staying active throughout the day, eating well and sleeping properly, you can push yourself to a stress-free life. Pay attention to your body–if you feel overstimulated, just get some rest. Say ‘No’ to things that might disrupt your well-being. Include activities that bring you joy and fulfilment in your schedule. Whether it’s a hobby, spending time in nature, or pursuing creative interests, make time for what makes you happy.
4. CONNECT WITH PEOPLE
Cultivate meaningful relationships with friends and family. Having their support will provide you comfort. You can also network with professionals in the industry you are interested in. You can do so by attending events (in-person or online), joining several groups or utilising your previous college and university connections.
5. LIMIT SOCIAL MEDIA
In today’s fast world, limiting your social connections is as important as staying connected to them. When you’re looking for a job, others’ career success becomes more apparent, especially when scrolling through hundreds of accounts sharing their career updates each day. Remember that not many people post their setbacks for the rest of the world to see — it doesn’t mean they haven’t experienced them though. Be kind to yourself and reduce your social media usage if you notice an impact on your mental health.
6. ADAPT AND LEARN NEW SKILLS
If you’re having a hard time in your job hunt, look for the skills that companies require for the role you’re interested in. Utilise this time in polishing them and developing new ones. This will help you stand out amongst other candidates. Focus on what you can control, like learning a new skill and how to adapt it to each job role you’re applying to. Remember that you can’t control everything, but by pursuing hobbies and developing new skills, you’re ultimately stepping closer to the next opportunity.
7. CELEBRATE YOUR PROGRESS
Acknowledge your small wins throughout your job-hunting journey. For instance, submitting a well-crafted portfolio, getting an email from a recruiter or an invitation to an interview are all successes in their own right. Make notes during these times to refer back to when you’re feeling down — let them serve as a reminder that you’re capable and qualified to secure a job. Appreciate yourself and the effort you’re putting in, knowing that you’re doing your best to achieve your goals.
Please remember that prioritising self-care is not a luxury — it’s a necessity for sustaining resilience during the job hunt. By balancing your professional life with your personal life, you’ll find yourself better equipped to manage stress and conduct a more effective job search.
