Five Ways to Initiate Self-Care While in a Job Search

Written By Steph Guillen

Self-care is not selfish. When we are not at our best, we negatively impact the people around us. Have you ever found yourself in the presence of a person having a bad day and felt their negativity transfer onto you? The reverse is also true. When we take care of ourselves, we enter our day with a more positive mindset and attitude. That positivity also helps to lift those we encounter. 

A darker and important reality to underscore is that when we don’t take care of ourselves, our ability to reach our goals suffers. That’s because self-care is an essential aspect of our health. We have one body and one mind to get us through this journey called life, and when we sabotage the interests of our body or our mind, we enter our day at a disadvantage. Have you ever tried to accomplish something important when you had a bad cold or the flu? It’s much harder, right? The same is true with the health and well-being of our minds. 

The point here is self-care matters. And it matters even MORE when we’re in an already high-stress situation, like a job search. In hard times, it’s all the more important to take care of ourselves. Not only for ourselves but for the well-being of those around us.

Here are five ways you can initiate self-care.

  1. Meditate: Meditation is a great way to de-stress and take care of our minds. It’s also known for lowering blood pressure and increasing creativity. If meditation is new to you, start small with just 10 minutes a day. Find a comfortable place to sit and focus on or count your breaths. Or try a meditation app like Headspace, Calm, or Shine.

  2. Exercise: As meditation is an essential part of mind-health, exercise is a crucial part of body health. Daily exercise is critical to our overall health and well-being. Do some major cardio or do something as simple as taking a walk every evening or taking 20 minutes out of your day for some yoga and stretching. The point is to get your body moving. We as a society spend way too much time sitting: sitting at the computer, sitting in front of the TV, sitting in the car. You’ve got to get your body moving every day. Aim for getting at least 10,000 steps on most days. A tracker like Fitbit can help.

  3. Eat healthily: Have you ever heard the expression, “You are what you eat?” It’s true. We are incredibly connected to what we put into our bodies for fuel. Much like putting bad oil or gasoline into a car, putting unhealthy and over-processed foods into our bodies can cause everything from general sluggishness, stomachache, or heart disease and diabetes. Be kind to yourself and nourish the only vehicle you have to get you through life with high-quality, healthy fuel.

  4. Get a good night’s sleep: Sleep is another vital component of our health, and as a society, we tend not to get nearly enough and undervalue its importance. Getting the sleep your body and mind NEEDS means a solid 7-9 hours of sleep. Studies show that getting less than 6 hours of sleep per night can lead to all sorts of health issues, including obesity and depression. Make sleep a priority. You’ll be glad you did. Looking for a great book on the power of sleep? I recommend: Why We Sleep, by Matthew Walker Ph.D.

  5. Take some “me” time: Lastly, don’t forget to take some time on occasion to be with yourself. Spend some time in nature, take a relaxing bath, or settle down with some tea and a book. Find the activities that bring you joy and take some time to do them––alone. Or allow yourself some downtime to relax.

Being in a job search is a stressful experience. That means it’s ever more critical that you take the time to care for yourself. You deserve it.

#jobsearch #career #motivation #tipsandtricks #success #goals #selfcare

Steph Guillen

I’m an art therapy and counseling master’s degree program student, as well as an artist, writer, and program director with a strong background in communications, photography, art, and job search/employment strategies. I have a passion for uplifting marginalized communities through means that champion knowledge, growth, and empowerment. My professional history largely resides in working with unemployed mid-to-high level executives, refugees, immigrants, and newcomers from the Middle East. I’ve advocated for and empowered these communities through the mediums of online graphic communications, writing, education, workshops, program development, and art.

I combine skills in art, graphics, photography, writing, project management, content creation, social media, advocacy/awareness initiatives, program development, and research to make a positive impact.

Certificates in: Positive Psychology, The Science of Well-Being, Creative Writing, Therapeutic Art Life Coaching, Career Brand Management, and Social Media Marketing. Education in Graphic Communications Technology, Photography, Middle Eastern Studies, and International Relations. Pursuing a competitive M.A. program in Art Therapy & Counseling.

KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Graduated Summa Cum Laude with a B.A. in Middle Eastern Studies while working full-time.

• Nominated for membership in Pi Gamma Mu Honor Society, Sigma lota Rho Honor Society, and The Society for Collegiate Leadership & Achievement.

• Recipient of the Global Goodwill Ambassador’s Humanitarian Award in recognition of years of impactful volunteer work, primarily in the refugee and international arena.

• Inducted into the Golden Key International Society with a 4.0 GPA in Middle Eastern Studies.

• Invited and accepted into the following committees and board: YMCA International’s Refugee College Scholarship Committee five years in a row, YMCA International’s Triumph of the Human Spirit Art Selection Committee two years in a row, United Nations Association of Houston Board Member & Global Classroom Liaison, World Refugee Day-Houston’s Panel Committee and Fundraising Committee.

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