8 practical mental health tips while job hunting

Whether you’re unemployed or in a job, job hunting can be a stressful experience. Finding a new job is a big deal. And it can really take its toll on your mental health. Before you know it, you end up feeling burnt out and overwhelmed. So if you’re looking for a new job, make sure you use these techniques to support your mental health and wellbeing.

• Declutter
• Use a planner
• Set realistic goals
• Switch off
• Use your support system
• Assert healthy boundaries
• Use breathing techniques
• Practise patience

8 ways to support your mental health during your job search

Declutter

If you want to find the right job, you need mental clarity. And you can’t have mental clarity if your environment is cluttered. Clutter creates stress and overwhelm without you even realising it. 

So take time to declutter your surroundings. Make sure your desk is clear. Sort your files into folders on your laptop. Clear out your purse. Donate or sell any old clothes you don’t wear anymore. Trust us on this one. Declutter and you’ll unlock a whole new level of clarity.

Use a planner

When it comes to job hunting, a planner will work wonders for your mental health. Instead of trying to hold everything in your mind, write it down. Plan out your days, weeks and months. This will free up SO much space in your mind. You can relax knowing you don’t need to remember everything yourself since it’s all written down in your planner.

Set realistic goals

Job hunting can get overwhelming. So it’s best to break your job hunt down into SMART goals. For example, how many job applications would you like to make each week? Just remember to be realistic with your goals. Don’t overwhelm yourself with goals you can’t handle.

Switch off

Switching off is a huge part of supporting your mental health. You might think you need to work solidly until you find a job. But this will lead to burnout. Just like a computer runs better after it switches off, you will too! So go to the gym. Run a relaxing bath. Take a walk. Go see your friends. Just take time away from work and job hunting.

Use your support system

Don’t carry the burden of your job hunt by yourself. Talking to a friend can really lift the stress. So if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed, remember to pick up the phone to your friends or family. 

Assert healthy boundaries 

Boundaries are crucial to your mental health. Especially when you’re job hunting. So make sure you take your work breaks. Finish work on time. Don’t take on too much from other people. Learn when you need to say ‘no’. It can be uncomfortable, but it’s for the best.

Use breathing techniques

Breathing is directly related to your stress levels. When you’re feeling stressed or anxious, try breathing exercises to calm your nervous system. There are a ton of breathwork videos on YouTube. These will slow your mind down and help you sleep better.

Practise patience

Patience is the key to keeping your cool while job hunting. Remember that it takes time to find the right job. And rejection is just a part of the process. So be patient any time you start to feel frustrated. Just know that the right job is right around the corner, and so worth the wait!

Don’t neglect yourself

It’s great to have career aims. But you never want your self-care to fall away. Don’t wait for this to happen before you start using these tips. Self-care should always be a part of your routine. If anything, it will make your job hunt more successful.

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