When looking for that next job, many individuals have a difficult time competing with others to stand out. Sometimes, this can lead to job search depression, which can take many different forms and thinking patterns. Below we’ll cover what Job Search Depression is and how you can take steps in avoiding it.
Job Search Depression | What Is It?
Job search depression can occur when you are looking for a new job earnestly, but are unable to get hired — sometimes due to circumstances outside of your control. While it is known that it can take a decent amount of applications to different companies before getting a job, at some point though, people can start to feel like their luck is running out. More than ever, job search depression is becoming increasingly well known among individuals due to the pandemic — a huge number of people are trying to compete for jobs that aren’t normally that hard to get. This leads to applicants thinking they aren’t good enough and slowly leads to depression. Listed below are some great tips to not only avoid job search depression but how these tips will lead to better success when applying for jobs.
How To Avoid Job Search Depression
Maintain an Active Lifestyle
For many people, keeping an active, healthy schedule gives you that time to decompress and do something to move your body. When sitting for long periods of time, people usually get more stir-crazy and irritable. Sometimes the best stress reliever is exercise. It is shown that exercise pumps up your endorphins (the brain’s feel-good transmitters) which ultimately leads to a reduction in stress. This reduction of stress comes from when your body during exercise imitates the effects of stress and helps the body and the related systems work together to overcome the effects (known as the fight or flight response).
Create a Daily Routine (and Stick to It)
When applying for job after job, some of your routines throughout the day tend to fall at the wayside, especially if you are currently unemployed. The key to staying as productive as possible is by setting a daily routine to keep you on track with your goals. There are many daily routine applications out there to keep you hitting all of these goals.
Use a Job Search Journal
Keep a journal to track all of your job search details such as application approvals/denials, interview dates, contact details, etc. This will keep you organized and will allow a great outlet for you to vent out your frustrations in a healthy way. Also, you should get in the habit of writing things down. This can be another great tool to critically think out specific problems.
Take Breaks
Lastly, take breaks! Sometimes the best remedy to get your head right from job searching is to take some time to do an activity that you enjoy. Whether that be watching tv, going outside for some Sun, or simply just closing your eyes for a quick reboot can do wonders for your mental health.
Conclusion
While job search depression is becoming a huge issue among many new job seekers out there, it doesn’t have to be the answer. The tips that are listed above cover additional ways for you to maintain your mental health while looking for the job you love. Check out the infographic below to learn more on ways to cope with job search depression.
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