Breathe in light and beauty, Exhale rejection letters… Ommm

Whatever you name it - laid off, downsized or fired -  Unemployment hurts and takes an emotional toll.  It is stressful for you and everyone around you. The “zenfull” approach would be to see yourself at a turning point in life; on the brink of your next great adventure. Unfortunately for most of us, we are not spiritual giants and that philosophy can be hard to maintain day after day while being rejected. While you are preparing for that next great adventure take a few deep breaths and practice a few of the following to de-stress and maybe even aide you in your job search.

1. Journal your efforts and frustrations
   Writing your thoughts and feelings not only help get them out but can help you gain insight. Starting a private blog on wordpress or other blogging site is a great way to start.
   
2. Exercise
   Depression can quickly set in, when you are unemployed and struggling in your search. When you exercise, your body releases chemicals called endorphins. These endorphins interact with the receptors in your brain that reduce stress and uplift your mood. You can exercise for free at the park, so take the time to smell the fresh air and get out and walk.
3. Get your finances organized
   It might suck when you are looking at it all, but in the end…its better to know exactly what you’re dealing with that to have it all surprise you later. You will need to adjust your spending until you find that next great position.
4. Turn off all Electronics and Read for pleasure
   When you curl up with a good book, you put the rest of the world at bay.   You are essentially taking a vacation of the mind. So step away from the computer, shut off the TV and go pick up a novel at your local library. The least production and depressing thing you can do it sit around watching Oprah or ESPN all day. Reading at least activates your mind.
5. Practice positive thinking
   Philosophers and great minds though the ages have exercised the power of thought. If you are constantly thinking about all the things you don’t like or don’t want …that’s exactly what you will get. If you concentrate on negatives of your past, you will portray that in your interviews. Instead, try focusing on the positives. What do you want out of your next position? The positives about you job history. See my post “Positively Unemployed” for more information
6. Talk it out
   Find a friend or support group and expunge your emotions. Lay your fears on the table and move on.
7. Volunteer - Help yourself by helping others
   Volunteering has a positive impact on your community. But did you know that it can have many positive benefits for you too? Volunteering can help you discover something you are really good at and develop a new skill. Many corporations are involved in volunteerism. Look at it as a way to network.  You never know who you might meet building house for the homeless, at your child’s school or cooking in a soup kitchen.
8. Take free classes
   Research free classes in your community or local churches. Not only will you learn something new, but it will give you something else to focus on besides your employment status.
9. Take time to breathe
   Many holistic practitioners practice yoga and mediation for a reason. They find it helps them get balanced and centered regardless of what life is dishing out. Mediation is a skill where you completely free your mind of the internal chatter. It takes a lot of practice and not everyone can do it. You can however, take a few minutes each day to just be still and breathe. Take this time to connect to your higher power or your higher self. You’ll be amazed at the difference it can make.
10. Be active in finding your next position
    I often tell my daughter when she complains about school, “School is your Job”. The same applies to the unemployed,  “The Job Search is your Job”.  You need a daily plan of action and to stick to it day in and day out.