Searching for a job can be draining. Every day, you’re online looking at the latest job adverts being posted and spending all your energy trying to put your best foot forward in the applications you submit. When you’ve been doing this for a while, you can easily become stressed. And stress can demotivate you, which is something that can make finding a job a lot more difficult. This is why it’s important that you find some ways to destress.   

So, if you’re finding yourself feeling drained and anxious while job hunting, here are some ideas on how to destress and ensure that you feel calm during this difficult time.

Go for a walk outside

Regular exercise is important and a great way to beat stress. But you also need fresh air and to get away from your computer screen. So, try taking a walk. You can still workout indoors to keep yourself fit and healthy. But when it comes to stress, being outside while you exercise will make you feel a lot better. And if you are exhausted and think you just don’t have the energy to get out there and exercise, don’t think of it as exercise. You can even go for a 10-minute stroll and it will help you feel better.

It’s all about leaving the house and getting your body moving. If you feel like you can run or jog, go ahead and enjoy it. But if you can only make it around the block, then do that. You’ll soon find that you have more energy and are able to refocus on that all important job hunt!

Try visualising your perfect job

Sit back, close your eyes and picture finding your perfect job, going for an interview and being given the job. Picture your first day and all the days that follow. What is the work like? What are the people like? How do you feel when you’re there? Try to imagine your life with this job. This is not just a way to destress, this is also how to build self-confidence.

Believing that you will eventually find that job, be hired and live that life will instantly make you feel more motivated and less stressed. Part of what is likely causing your stress is that you may have started doubting your own worth, which is why this exercise will help you feel calmer.

Choose a calming hobby

Everybody knows that yoga is a calming hobby, however, that’s not for everybody. And since you’re already taking those 10-minute walks, you can probably choose a hobby that allows you to remain still. Painting and drawing are great ways to easily destress. In fact, adult colouring books are well-known for helping people relax and forget their worries. These are perfect if you like the idea of art but don’t feel particularly creative.

Set aside some time to meditate

If you’ve never meditated before, don’t worry because it’s not complicated. It does, however, take practice to really get into it. There are many guided meditations that you can access on YouTube or as a podcast. With all the options available, you’ll be able to find something for you to enjoy – whether you are into visualising long forest walks or prefer white noise.

And once you get into the habit of meditating, you’ll find yourself excited to start your daily session. If you find that you’re unable to sleep at night, meditating is the perfect answer.

It’s difficult to focus when you’re stressed. And it’s difficult to job hunt when you can’t focus. So, take a quick walk outside, spend some time visualising your perfect job, find a hobby that calms you, and give meditating a try. These four activities will help you to relax and regain that confidence you’re going to need when you go on all those interviews!