Job hunting is an intense process that can seriously mess with your mood.  It’s normal to feel anxious, frustrated and scared when looking for your next role. So as a job seeker, what can you do to combat these side effects of job hunting? Here are 5 ways you can manage the stress and keep your momentum going.

1. Get organised

It is can be easy to become overwhelmed when you are unemployed because you don’t have regular working hours, so it feels like your life revolves around job searching. To help you combat the feeling of being overwhelmed, you should create a job search schedule. Create a checklist and set a period of time during the week were you can try to complete one item on your checklist.

2.  Take it easy

Make sure you are getting a significant amount of sleep as it helps to reduce stress. Eat the right foods. We often turn to comfort foods during times of stress, but they can make you feel lethargic and less able to deal with stress. Eating foods high in fibre and carbohydrates produce more serotonin, which helps to relax you.

Give yourself little rewards after you have reached a goal or ticked off something on your checklist. For example you have just finished re-writing your CV, treat yourself to a snack or an episode of your favourite TV show.

3.  Be patient

Patience is a virtue during the job search process. Some days can be horrible, you send out loads of CVs and don’t get a response. Don’t get caught up with the lows, stick with it! To keep yourself from stressing out over not getting any responses, you should use your time wisely. Instead of spending your time sending out loads of CVs, you should be networking. Use social media platforms such as Linkedin to network, research the companies you want to work for, reach out and connect with the people who work there.

4. Stay active

Keeping busy can help you manage stress. Whenever you have some free time go out and meet a friend for drinks, go out and explore the city you live in. Taking some time out can help you recharge and focus. Another way to keep busy is by volunteering. Volunteering in a related field you want to work in will help you develop your skills.

Doing regular exercise is also great because it releases endorphins which will help to boost your mood and improve your emotional well-being.

5.  Be strategic

If you are searching for a new job whilst working somewhere else, you may find it difficult to find time to start searching for new jobs. Try to work around your work schedule. To make it easier on yourself schedule interviews when you know you won’t be busy at work. It may be better to schedule interviews and search for jobs early in the morning or later on in the day, after work.