However difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at.
Stephen Hawking
The past year has introduced so many unexpected adjustments into our lives.
This includes unplanned changes to our work.
What we do.
How we do it.
Where we do it.
For many of us, the past year has brought the new (or familiar) experience of job hunting, job loss, or both.
And while this experience is shared by people all around the world, it can be immensely stressful.
So, if you’re currently job hunting, now’s a great time to prioritize your emotional wellness.
Today we’re highlighting 5 ways to care for yourself throughout the job hunting process:
1. Bump up the self-care.
There’s no doubt about it: Job hunting is stressful! It’s normal to experience extra pressure amid all that research, planning, and putting yourself “out there”. But there’s no need to wait until you already feel the effects of stress to commit to self-care; take steps to prioritize it now and you’ll be much better equipped to meet the challenges ahead.
TRY THIS:
Do a quick review of your self-care habits. What opportunities for tweaks or improvements do you see?
2. Create structure.
Job hunting while you’re already working can feel like an extra full-time job. But, there’s a paradox to the “free time” of job hunting while unemployed: After awhile, the lack of structure to your day can contribute to feelings of aimlessness and isolation. By outlining a basic schedule for yourself, you might find it easier to stay on track.
TRY THIS:
Start implementing these simple shifts to gradually bring more structure to your days.
Are you a therapist who’s currently job hunting? We’re hiring!
3. Lean on social supports.
Although there are many people job hunting at any given time, finding yourself in this position might unearth some insecurities, new or old. This can promote a tendency to stay silent about your experience, which limits the opportunities for others in your life to lend support.
TRY THIS:
Think of the most supportive people in your life. Challenge yourself to open up to them about what you’re feeling right now.
4. Practice contentment.
Job hunting requires us to be vulnerable and to acknowledge the gap between where we currently are and where we want to go. One of the most powerful ways to bring balance to this feeling is to maintain an awareness of the people and things we appreciate most.
TRY THIS:
Start building a simple contentment practice into your daily routine.
5. Envision your future.
Gentle reminder: This period won’t last forever. While it might feel stressful, the time you spend job hunting represents a real opportunity to pause and consider what sort of future you want for yourself.
TRY THIS:
Ask yourself these 2 simple questions as you reflect on where you are now and where you want to be.
Enjoy this post? You might also like:
Healthy Boundaries in Parenting
Boundaries: Understanding this Emotional Wellness Buzzword
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Currently job hunting? Could you use some extra support?