Searching for a job is a full-time job and can be incredibly stressful and time consuming. The pressure to find the right opportunity, the uncertainty of the market, and the repetitive cycle of applications and interviews can take a toll on mental health. It’s imperative to prioritize well-being during this process.
When we make mental health a priority, the following occurs:
Enhanced Focus and Productivity
When we’re mentally fit, we have clear-headed focus and enhanced energy, which results in better decision making, setting realistic job search goals, and remaining consistent and proactive.
Improved Performance
When we’re in good mental health, we are calm, confident, positive, and have enhanced cognitive ability, which makes it easier to perform satisfactorily in interviews. These qualities serve us well when networking, by enhancing our ability to build meaning professional relationships.
Resilience and Coping
Job searching often involves facing rejections. Prioritizing mental health helps develop resilience to handle setbacks constructively, preventing them from affecting self-esteem and motivation. Looking at rejections as necessary steps to finding the right position, demonstrates resilience in action.
Stress Management
Mental health practices help manage stress more effectively, preventing anxiety, depression, and burnout.
Maintaining Overall Well-being
When we are mentally fit, we’re more likely to make better choices when it comes to our health and well-being, such as eating a balanced diet, being active, staying hydrated, and getting good sleep.
Understanding the benefits of prioritizing mental health during a job search is crucial. Here are some practical tips and strategies to maintain mental health while searching for a job:
Set Realistic Goals and Expectations
Creating SMARTER Goals (i.e. specific, measurable, active, relevant, time bound, energizing, and realistic), reduces stress. Set weekly goals and daily action items.
Create a Structured Routine
A structured routine provides a sense of control and normalcy, making it easier to develop productive work habits. Set specific hours each day for dedicated job search. Schedule self-care breaks to relax and mentally recharge. This includes time for fitness and activities that are enjoyable.
Find Support
Searching for a job can feel isolating. Stay connected with friends and family.
Consider joining job search support groups or forums. Connecting with others in similar situations can provide encouragement and new perspectives.
Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques
Incorporate mindfulness and relaxation practices to manage stress, such as meditation, deep breathing, and mental fitness. Regular mental fitness breaks throughout the day improve cognitive ability, productivity, and wellbeing. Check out my previous blog post, Overcoming Burnout by Developing Mental Fitness, to learn mental fitness techniques: lisahammett.com/mental-fitness
Seek Professional Help if Needed
If stress, anxiety, and overwhelm, is resulting in tension headaches, indigestion, irritability, and sleeplessness, seek professional help from a coach, counselor, or therapist. These symptoms will not go away unless the stress is managed. A mental health professional will provide coping strategies and emotional support. Coaches can offer guidance, support, and accountability.
Engage in Hobbies and Interests
Make time for enjoyable activities that provide a much needed break from the job search. Consider volunteering or taking an on-line course to develop new skills.
Celebrate Small Wins
Celebrate all achievements, no matter how small. These can be milestones such as completing a resume, updating a LinkedIn profile, obtaining interviews, or receiving positive feedback. Reward achievements with well-deserved time off, a small treat, or phoning a friend.
Prioritizing mental health during a job search is essential for maintaining overall well-being and staying focused. By setting realistic goals, maintaining a structured routine, and seeking support, the job search process is less cumbersome and stressful. Mental health practices not only help with the stresses of job hunting but also prepare us to be our best self when the right opportunity comes along.
