If you’ve been unemployed for any length of time or have found yourself unhappy at work, you understand that the job search process can be stressful.
While stress can be both beneficial and detrimental to your employment situation, it’s important to keep it in perspective so it doesn’t hamper your career prospects.
Another reason to keep your stress in check is your health. Extreme stress can have major consequences that can affect the immune, cardiovascular, neuroendocrine and central nervous systems, according to the American Psychological Association.
The association also reports that untreated chronic stress can result in serious health conditions including anxiety, insomnia, muscle pain, high blood pressure and a weakened immune system. Additionally, research has linked stress to the development of major illnesses, such as heart disease, depression and obesity; all the more reason to manage your stress during your job search. Much more than your career is at stake.
There are many ways you can curb your stress as you focus on the excitement associated with your job hunt. Here are a few:
Find time for your hobby. Between submitting your resume for open jobs, don’t forget to enjoy the things that make you unique. Play the drums? Hit the skins to take your mind off the job search and relieve some stress in the process. Like to garden? Take a stroll through your outdoor oasis to reconnect to the peaceful respite of nature. These types of hobbies are great for removing you from the stress of job hunting and allowing your mind to focus elsewhere, if only for a short period of time.
Exercise. Working out regularly is instrumental to better health and a less stressful life. Take 20 minutes from your job search today and head out on a rigorous walk. Rent an audiobook from your local library and slip into another world for a spell.
Are you a member at your local gym? Join a class to supplement your regular workout sessions. The extra cardio you can pick up through spinning, aerobics or basketball can help keep your body fit and your mind sharp during this stressful time.
Employment Trends
Competition is fierce. More candidates than ever are battling it out for new jobs, and depending on your field, space may be limited. Some eye-opening numbers from Glassdoor for Employers paint a picture of today’s job market.
For example, the five things that job-seekers take into account before accepting a job offer, according to Glassdoor, include:
- Salary and compensation;
- Career growth opportunities;
- Work-life balance;
- Location and commute; and
- Company culture and values.
