Top 11 Tips For Staying Motivated When Unemployed

Top 11 Tips for Staying Motivated When Unemployed
 
Losing your job is painful. There are many days when you may feel discouraged because the job market is complicated and the competition for jobs is fierce. In order to get through a period of unemployment, it’s important to use whatever resources you can to stay motivated.
 
Try these tips to boost your motivation while you search for a new job:
 
1.  Utilize the power of the internet. Save time and money! Many tasks that will help you get a job are activities you can do more efficiently online. 

• Research companies, fill out applications, and join online networking groups to streamline your job search.

 
2.  Work on your job search each day. Spend five days of the week actively looking for a job. Pick the ones that will work best for you. In most cases, that would be Monday through Friday. Take the other two days off. 

3.  Use your unemployment funds wisely. Pay bills that are necessary but limit other things, like social outings, to a minimum. 

• If you need to borrow money from a friend or family member, do so. Having the money you need to get by will take a lot of stress off of you.

 
4.  Eat nutritious food. Stressful times tend to weaken your immune system, so include plenty of extra fruits and vegetables in your diet to help your body be at its best. Protein is also necessary for keeping your energy levels up when you’re looking for work. 
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5.  Exercise regularly. Enjoy whatever type of exercise that you’re used to doing. This can be dancing, running, walking, or any other type of activity that you wish. 

• Exercise reduces stress, brings you energy, keeps you alert, increases your feelings of well-being, and strengthens your health. All of these benefits will help keep you motivated while looking for a job.

 
6.  Get plenty of rest. It may be difficult to sleep at times when you’re looking for work, but it’s better to try. For optimum benefits, shoot for 7 or 8 hours of good quality sleep. 

• Avoid caffeine or computer screens for several hours before bedtime to make it easier to get your rest.

7.  Use your friends for support. Don’t be afraid to enlist the help of your friends. Explain to them that you’re between jobs and actively looking for work. Tell them what you’re looking for and your background and skills. 

• Your friends may know of a company that is looking for someone just like you!

 
8.  Make an effort to keep in touch with previous co-workers. Co-workers from your previous job may also have job ideas and leads for you. 
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9.  Watch your transportation costs. Cutting back on your gas mileage will save you money. It will also prevent a lot of wasted time. Only go to companies that you’ve contacted and have an interview with, so you aren’t just pounding the pavement. 

10.  Schedule some “me time” each day. When you’re unemployed, you might find that you’re actually working harder than ever. Plus, the stress is highly taxing – both mentally and physically. It’s important to re-energize and boost your morale by engaging in activities that bring you pleasure. 

• Try to spend an hour each day doing something you love. Whether you immerse yourself in a hobby or a good book, or even just take a nap, enjoy your special time however you like. Pamper yourself. You deserve it!

 
11.  Turn your hobby into a new income stream.  Hobbies that could potentially be monetized and turned into businesses range from painting, woodworking, baking, web design, blogging, copy writing, to dog training. Most hobbies can be monetized as long as they provide value to others.
 
Finding a new job almost always takes longer than we want it to, but you can stay motivated by using these tips. Stay focused and dedicated, and you’re determination will pay off.