Alright my resilient friends, let’s chat about an often overlooked piece of the job hunting puzzle – taking care of YOU in the midst of the grind! I know the demands of organizing a search, prepping applications, and facing rejection sap energy and emotional reserves fast. Burnout, stress, self-doubt creep in, which only hampers efforts more.
Sowalk with me – I want to discuss small self-care steps that bolster mental health amid the job search churn. Protecting your inner light and belief takes equal priority to perfecting resumes! Let’s keep your momentum fueled from the inside-out.
First and foremost – acknowledge that ups and downs are inevitable in such a turbulent process. Cut self-judgment when motivation dips or negative self-talk flares up. We all have phases of feeling demoralized or inadequate, especially when forced to sell ourselves repeatedly to strangers! Reframe feelings as temporary setbacks, not personal flaws or outright failure.
On lower days, tap into your support squad for encouragement. Share frustrations transparently with loved ones who champion you. Ask for hugs, reassuring words or general commiseration! Having cheerleaders in your corner reminds you that you are far more than just applicant #329. You are whole, talented and worthy of amazing opportunities.
When energy lifts again, seize it! Spend extra time boosting credentials like taking online courses, getting volunteer experience etc. Polish application pieces or reach out to new networking contacts. Knock out those tasks requiring optimism and verve before another dip. Validate your own effort by checking small to-dos off.
Also, watch obsessively checking job sites and alerts. Constant scanning often heightens angst versus moving the needle. Set specific blocks for search tasks instead of it consuming all free time. Schedule equally important rejuvenation activities too – meal prep, friends, exercise, rest.
On that self-care note, prioritize nourishing basics every single day – healthy food, hydration, sleep and movement. When turmoil strikes, basic wellness crumbles fast which aggravates emotional duress. Treat your body and spirit kindly through the chaos!
If motivation completely stalls, forgive yourself for stepping away briefly. Breaks restore mental clarity to regroup. Once recharged, define next incremental quests to regain momentum. Perhaps identifying leadership development needs for leveling up skills in current role while continuing applications.
We covered heaps of ground here! My overarching advice is simply checking in with YOUR unique needs during career transitions and honoring them. Guard your spark through self-care habits, community and believing in your magic. Now chin up and go embrace the gifted opportunity this period holds in steering you toward even better aligned work! You’ve so got this.