Staying healthy during the job search- Part #1

Looking for a job after being involuntarily let go from a position is difficult under any circumstances. In today’s economy — even with a national unemployment rate that recently dropped below 6 percent — a job search can be prolonged, and the effects can be even more pronounced on your body, mind and spirit.

The Ladders, a career advice website, offers the following tips to combat the stress and anxiety that comes along with unemployment:

1    Limit the time you watch TV

“I think it’s important that people limit their time [watching] the TV,” said University of New Mexico psychiatrist Kathryn Fraser. “There are actual studies that show that too much TV goes along with increased depression.”  Instead, you should increase your physical exercise.

2.  Learn to practice Creative Thinking 

Job seekers would do well to employ some creative thinking. In today’s market, your next job might not be the same as the one from which you were let go — in function, responsibility or pay. But that may have to be OK and, in some cases, can be a positive life change.

3.  Set realistic expectations for yourself

“The mind has to change to the concept of, ‘It’s going to take me a while to find a job,’ ” said Kevin Skinner, Ph.D., a family therapist and talk show host. “[Think] ‘It’s not a matter of if, but a matter of when I get that new job. And until then, I’m going to be hitting up against a lot of rejection.’ Setting expectations is key to maintaining a sense of hope. It may take a while, but know that you are the one in control of the situation.

At Key Corporate Services, our specialists are skilled at working with candidates whether they are working or are between careers.  If you have experience that matches any of the industries in which we specialize, give us a call.

We work hard to eliminate the stress of the job hunt.

From The Key Corporate Services Blog Team