Express Job Genius

As you start fresh in 2011, do you feel yourself carrying over some extra baggage from 2010, better known as stress? With many individuals having job security concerns and fears about the economy, stress is a growing problem. In a recent study by the American Psychological Association, 75 percent of Americans said they were stressed about work. In addition, Fast Company reported that today three out of five doctor visits are stress related, resulting in more than $22.8 billion in health care treatment annually.

Whether it’s preparing for an interview or getting the news that you didn’t get the job you wanted, stressors and sources of anxiety like these can lead to depression and other health issues like headaches, lack of concentration, weight gain, diabetes, insomnia, and more. As the economy continues to show improvement, more employers are planning to hire in 2011, although they will remain cautious.

Stress is an all too common event in everyone’s life. But, as hard as it seems to let go of your trouble and worries, that’s exactly what you need to do. Let go of the stress and those things you can’t control, and head into the new year with a refreshed outlook on life. Easier said than done? Here are seven tips to help you harness your anxiety, de-clutter your focus, and re-energize your efforts for a new and improved you in 2011.

1. Set some goals for your job search. Do you already have your 2011 job search goals planned? Goals are important because they give us a direction. Take some time to create SMART goals – goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and timely. These goals should be clear, defined, and related to what you want to do. An example of a SMART goal for job searching would be, “To volunteer six hours a week for your local chamber of commerce with the goal of making network connections.” As with any goals, they don’t have to be set in stone. Give yourself a period of time to see some results. After the predetermined time, re-evaluate them and adjust as needed.

2. Get organized. There’s an old saying that, “If you continue to do things the same way you’ve always done them, you will get the same results.” When you’re stressed out, who has time for organization? Your mail might end up in a massive heap on your kitchen table, books galore are building up in the corner, and you can’t even see the keyboard for the laundry pile that has grown there.

So the next time you feel stressed, get up and work through that frustration by organizing something. Make the effort to bust out of a rut and get organized. Studies show that being organized will help you be more efficient with your time, and supercharge your productivity. Gather all of your job search tools into one easily identifiable location – this includes your resume, cover letter, job reference list, and portfolio. Next, organize your interview clothes – take inventory of what’s in your closet and what can be given away or what additions you need to make to your wardrobe. Some other ways to get organized and de-stress your job search include creating a budget to help you worry less about finances and using a calendar to keep track of your interviews, job search activities, and manage your time better.

3. Discover your passions in life. What motivates you and gets you energized? Think about the things you’re passionate about and make a point to pursue them in 2011. You have dreams, so why settle for less than you deserve? If you settle, feelings of anxiety are created because you may not enjoy what you’re doing. If you find something you like to work at, chances are you’ll perform better professionally and feel better in your personal life.

What things do you like to do in your free time? Balance your job search with a little play. Pursue your hobbies for a while. Step away from the online job boards and classified ads, put your phone away, and turn off the television. Have time to just be at ease – draw, write, shop, do yard work, rebuild a car or do something else that brings you joy. It’s easy to get discouraged when you can’t find a job, but don’t get down because your day will come. Focus on the positives and make time to have fun.

4. Get your endorphins pumping. Exercise is good for the heart and an instant mood booster, whether you're at work or not. Walk, run, dance, or bike – the possibilities are endless. Health experts suggest that you do 30-minutes of daily activity. Use this time to clear your mind and work off some steam. The more active you are in your workouts, the more rewards you will see from it. Exercise increases blood circulation, helps build your immunity system, and reduces stress hormones like cortisol and adrenalin.

5. Have a good laugh and smile. You know that when you’re stressed out about things, your chances for heart-related problems increase. During the job search process, make time for laughter, because it is the best medicine to lighten your mood. It helps you increase your oxygen supply, stimulating your brain, heart, and lungs. So, smile – even if you don’t feel like it. It’s hard to be upset or sound upset if you have a smile on your face.

6. Invest in the buddy system. It’s vital to maintain your relationships during your job hunt. Having friends and family you can talk to is a great way to relieve stress. Sometimes it’s just good to have someone that you can talk things through with or vent if you need to. These people can also help you with networking and learning about new job opportunities.

7. Don’t forget to stretch and breathe. As simplistic as it sounds, stretching and breathing exercises are good ways to improve your concentration. Stretching loosens tense muscles that are storehouses of frustration. Turning off all distractions, closing your eyes, and listening to the rhythmic sounds of breathing in and out creates a meditation-like environment. National Public Radio, better known as NPR, recently wrote an article focusing on how breathing is one of the body’s built-in stress relievers. It outlines that how you breathe can wake you up, energize you, make you feel relaxed, or keep you balanced. If you can, focus on your stretching and breathing for five to 10 minutes daily.

Stress creates a toxic environment within you. Retrain yourself to defeat stress! When you’re de-stressed, you will be better focused on your job search, having more energy, focus, and determination. It’s important to know that you can only be in control of so much in life – so let go of what you can’t control and focus on what you can. The possibilities are endless in 2011.

Looking for more advice about your job search or your career? Check out Movin' On Up, the Express job blog, to find the tips and information you need to succeed.