Bored of being bored?

Are you bored of being bored? In 48 Days to the Work You Love by Dan Miller, Miller suggests some activities to maintain your mental health while facing the challenge of long-term unemployment. I have mentioned some activities I do in previous entries, but I thought I would share this list with you.

Set aside time for vigorous physical exercise.

Miller says, "the feeling will help release tension and stimulate creativity." The job search is stressful. Although the unemployment rate is at a 10-year low, today's job market is still extremely competitive. Exercising can help relieve that stress. 

If you have seen Legally Blonde, then you may recall the line, "Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy." Well, the writers did their research because, having recently taken Human Body at K-State, I can confirm this. 

However, there is something to be said for crying. No matter how much you exercise, you can't always be happy. Humans are actually the only living creatures that can cry tears, and that is the only way our bodies excrete stress hormones -- through our tears. So, ultimately, crying is healthy and nothing to be ashamed of. Sometimes it's just what you need. 

Seek out a mentor. 

In 48 Days, Miller refers to the success of Alcoholics Anonymous due to the members having mentors who they can call whenever they need to. I've mentioned before how it is helpful to have someone else to lament over the challenges of the job search with. I think it is also helpful to have a mentor (or a few!) who you can call when you need help, whether to assure you everything will be okay or help brainstorm new avenues to explore. 

From my experience, my mentors are individuals who are also references. So, if you are in need of a mentor, take a look at your list of references. Next time you are in need of help or reassurance, give one of your references a call. Start building your mentor-mentoree relationship. Or, if all you need is an ego-boost, then read one of your reference letters; it always makes me feel better about myself.

Read inspirational material at least 2 hours daily.

I really think this helps keep your mind engaged. Don't sit on the couch all day watching television, allowing your brain to atrophy. I think optimistic, hopeful thinking is critical during your job search. Read inspirational material to keep you motivated and in a positive frame of mind. Pursue life-long learning and read educational material. Stay up-to-date on what is happening in the world by reading news articles. READ. 

Volunteer for a worthy cause.

Miller says, "helping someone else in need is a great way to ease your own personal pain." That sounds so selfish, though. I prefer to think of it as a reality check. Aesop said, "There is always someone worse off than yourself." Volunteering at a local soup kitchen or homeless shelter can give you perspective. You may not have a job, but (hopefully) you are still able to provide food and shelter for yourself. It may feel like rock bottom, but it's not. So, pull your chin up, and enjoy the rewards that may be reaped from helping others -- a feeling of value, the warmth of a smile from someone you have helped

Get a job.

Regardless if its not your dream job or a great career move. Just do it. Check out The Top 10 Benefits of Temporary Work.