10 Ways to Get Out of a Job Search Funk
1. Breathe
We all forget to breathe fully and deeply. But it’s entirely free.
Do it anywhere and anytime to re-center.
Use the 4-7-8 technique if you aren’t sure where to start.
Deep inhales through the nose for 4 seconds, hold for 7, exhale through your mouth for 8.
2. Move your body
Walk in nature, alone, without your phone or music.
Challenge your body by hiking, running, weight training, doing Pilates or hot yoga, etc. a few times a week to help keep your energy levels in check.
3. Eat good, nourishing foods
Good food = good mood
Fuel for our bodies = fuel for our minds
The more we nourish ourselves with nutrient dense meals, the more we can remain focused and energized throughout our days.
This is especially important during cognitively demanding stretches, such as a job search.
4. Lean into your relationships
Call or spend time with someone who is energetically uplifting.
It’s easy to go inward during times of challenge, such as looking for a new role or career change.
But in reality, this is when we need to lean into our relationships the most.
Especially so we don’t get so caught up inside our own heads — ruminating or losing sight of the bigger picture.
Going *too* inward during times of difficulty can end up hurting us, not helping us.
5. Practice daily gratitude
Remind yourself not just of what’s right in front of you, but what’s made you happy and proud in your life to date.
Remind yourself that the past version of you would’ve been grateful to have what you have now.
Write down three good things that have happened in the past 24 hours each day to help keep an optimistic frame running in the background of your personal “operating system” at all times.
6. Skip the booze
Alcohol only temporarily numbs us out and delays our anxiety for tomorrow (where it’s likely to be amplified)
You want to remain sharp, focused, and upbeat during your search — which alcohol is likely to combat.
Find other ways to decompress such as walking, yoga, meditation, spending time with family and friends, cooking, engaging in hobbies, etc.
7. Physical touch
Massage, hug, spend time alone with yourself or a partner.
It’s incredible how much physical affection can boost your mood, help you feel safe, secure and appreciated, and remind you of the people in your life who care about you.
8. Removing input
We're way too inundated with "feeds,” notifications, messages, alerts, and more these days.
You need time in silence to have clear headspace and inner peace — both which allow you to do your best work and move forward after failure.
The more inputs we receive, the less output we can generate.
9. Give back to help others and regain perspective
For an easy one, visit Kiva.org and make a loan to help someone install a toilet in their home or buy manure for their farm.
Volunteer your time at a local food bank, hospital, school, ocean cleanup group, or another organization that feels aligned with how you want to show up and offer your time.
Make an introduction to someone else you know who is job searching.
Giving is the best way to receive.
When we give, our cup immediately becomes full and we leave 10x energized than before…even in the midst of doing physical labor.
10. Remember that this too shall pass
Feelings are temporary. They blow in and out like seasons. There will be highs and lows; this is the only constant in life.
Remind yourself that these challenging moments will only strengthen and fuel you moving forward.
Try to stay present throughout these moments, regardless of how uncomfortable they feel in the moment.
Finally...
If these things aren't working, please ask for help. There are resources.
It’s so much better to channel the courage to speak up and ask for help than to continue suffering in silence.