The idea of landing your dream job may sound like fun, but taking the time to sort, filter, and search for hours on end to find it can be extremely exhausting. It’s easy to get discouraged when working through application after application. Sometimes the brain and body just need a short break from time to time to get re-charged and ready to go. Here are a few of the most effective ways to get back into the swing of things.
Eat a Well-Balanced Snack
Now, this doesn’t mean eating a whole meal when it isn’t time or taking a break for too long in order to cook said meal. Healthy diets contain small snacks throughout the day that will help you regain energy when it is needed most. Recall a time when you were hungry and trying to get something important done at the same time. That didn’t work out too well did it? Stopping for a few minutes to get something in your system will help the body boost energy levels, reduce stress, and regain focus. A snack with complex carbs and proteins seem to have the best effect on blood sugar levels which happen to control our levels of energy.
Not only that, but taking a few minutes away from the computer while eating will also help your mind to better solve problems. Another interesting mind trick involves thinking of the answer after the question has already been asked. Remember another time when you couldn’t remember that actor in that movie or what you ate for breakfast? However, minutes after you stopped trying it just came to you, right? Taking a few minutes away from the current task will allow your brain some rest and chances are you’ll think of a better way to search or a different search term.
Sweat Away the Stress
Exercising for even 30 minutes is a wonderful way to stay active, get the blood pumping, and refresh the mind. So, when you sit back down at the computer your mind will be cleared of any stressors. For example, running helps to boost endorphins in the brain which actually improves a person’s mood and disposition. Of course, that is just one method of exercise that will help job search focus. Swimming is a wonderful way to get a full body workout, some cardio, and can also be incredibly relaxing.
Any type of activity that gets blood flowing right to the brain helps to boost not only mood, but also overall brain function. We’ve all had those days when we feel like zombies in front of a screen. Just a few minutes of cardio before a job search can help the brain do its job much better, especially when we don’t exactly feel like doing the task in front of us. Both of these workouts even mimic a form of meditation. Meditation is wonderful for clearing the mind of unwanted thoughts and stress, but it can be challenging for beginners. So, if that isn’t really your thing working out allows your mind time to focus more on what you are doing instead of every small little worry lingering around.
Create a Home Oasis
If nothing seems to be working how they should be, a “quiet room” just might do the trick when other things won’t. It doesn’t have to be an entire room- even a quiet area a few steps away from your desk can work. Make it a place free from distractions and outfit it with anything that calms you; for example, soft, gentle music, scented oils, or a candle. Take a short bath or maybe draw or paint a picture.
Use Productivity Tools
If you really don’t want to get away from the computer try to shut everything else down besides applications and websites that will actually keep you productive. Some sites offer soft music while others make sure you stick to a time limit and get back to job searching. Whatever the case may be, all of these things will take focus away from the particular issue that is wreaking stress on your brain.
Take breaks
Limiting yourself to a strict timeline and adhering to it is key (30 mins to an hour should work). If you work on a separate project for too long it will divert too much focus away from the current objective. Either set a phone timer or use a productivity app or website to keep track of exactly what you are doing. In addition, make sure that whatever you’re working on won’t create more stress. Don’t take on a task that can’t be handled. Make sure these short bursts of serenity stay within the realm of possibility. It’s okay to work on one project for just a few minutes per day or whenever time allows.
Get creative and try different mind-boosting tactics to help you job search at your best. Every person is different and finds benefits in different activities. Try out a few things and find what works for your style. Keeping fresh and focused is the first step to putting your best foot forward.
About the Author: Trisha Miller is a freelance writer from Boise, ID. She is a dedicated vegan who promotes an all-around healthy lifestyle, including mental health. You can find her on twitter @thatdangvegan and check out her website That Dang Vegan.
