How to Not Let Your Job Search Stress You Out

How to Not Let Your Job Search Stress You OutHow to Not Let Your Job Search Stress You OutDeciding where to apply, presenting well at interviews, waiting to hear back from hiring managers, negotiating salaryjob hunts can be chock full of nerve-racking situations. And while a great new position is certainly worth the effort, life in the meantime can get quite tense. And job search stress can slow creep up.In honor of April being National Stress Awareness Month, vow to cut down on anxietyHere are some strategies to beat job search stressDefine objectives.An unfocused job hunt feels overwhelming and leads to wasting precious energy. Spend time figuring out what you want to do, the type of flexibility youll need, the environment and culture that suit you best, and requirements such as minimum salary.By answering these questions, you will start to look for jobs that meet your needs, and this makes the job search feel like you have more control over the situation, says Beverly Beuermann-Ki ng of WorkSmartLiveSmart.com. You are not waiting for the job to come to you you are actively seeking out the job that will match the life that you want to lead. This sense of control can decrease your stress and overall anxiety.Stay organized.A desk covered with random papers and post-its or an inbox that puts the mess in messages doesnt promote calmness. Regularly devote time to placing information into physical and digital folders, updating notes, and tossing things you dont need. Youll feel mastery over your environment, and you wont panic when scenarios arise in which you need to find something quickly.Treat your body and mind right.Make a point of exercising, eating nutritious food, taking regular breaks, and getting a good nights sleep. Such actions help ward off depression and anxiety.Also, consider giving meditation a try. This mind-clearing process is known to tame nerves, promote clarity, and encourage overall feelings of well-being. You may find yourself less anxious abo ut an upcoming interview or better able to handle rejection.Set tech limits.As tempting as it is to constantly check messages, doing so reduces focus and contributes to feelings of being at the mercy of others. Instead, try establishing regular points throughout the day to handle your inbox and beat job search stress. And when youre spending time with your family or winding down before bed, shut off all technology. You deserve peaceful time.Socialize.Resist the urge to squirrel away in your home office, which can be lonely, boring, and conducive to dwelling on problems. Meet upbeat friends for lunch. See a movie that makes you laugh. Volunteer at a food pantry. Take a jewelry-making class. Not only does being around others and thinking about something besides job hunting renew energy, it may lead to valuable new connections or opportunities.Boost self-esteem.Finally, realize good jobs usually dont just drop immediately into someones lap. Patience is hard, and the waiting game can le ave you questioning your worth. Writing down and celebrating past successes can help, as can rewarding yourself for creating and meeting daily goals.Know that you are more than a job title, Beuermann-King says. You have a lifetime of skills, relationships, interests, and experience that make you unique. Knowing this will help to buffer you against the negative thoughts that try to derail your job search and increase your anxiety levels.