Job hunting is a grueling marathon that involves long periods of mental and physical stress, starting with self-analysis, creating an endless ES, and receiving rejection letters (prayer emails) during interviews. The more serious students are, the more they push themselves to not take time off, and the more likely they are to burn out (job hunting depression) midway through their studies. In this article, we will introduce effective ways to refresh yourself to stay motivated and survive job hunting with a healthy mind and body.

Why is it necessary to refresh during job hunting?

Interviewers sense students’ confidence and energy from their facial expressions and tone of voice. If you go into an interview with a gloomy, stressed-out look, you won’t be able to convey your true qualities. Recognizing that ``rest is part of job hunting,’’ and intentionally creating time off will ultimately lead to bringing out your best performance.

4 Recommended Refreshing Methods

1. Create a “complete day off from job hunting”

For half a day to one day a week, close your computer or smartphone and intentionally create a day when you don’t look at any job hunting information.

• Turn off notifications for MyNavi and Rikunavi apps.
• Temporarily cut off contact with fellow job hunters. On this day, I spend my time doing things that make me feel most relaxed, such as watching movies, playing games, or sleeping the whole day.

2. Physically relieve stress by moving your body

Sitting at your desk all the time can reduce your blood flow and make you feel depressed.

• Walking or running: Exposure to sunlight releases a hormone (serotonin) that stabilizes the mind.
• Sauna or public bath: You can do a forced digital detox in an environment where you can’t bring your smartphone, and your autonomic nervous system will be in order.

3. Meet with friends unrelated to job hunting

When you talk to your job-hunting friends, the topics inevitably end up being, Did you make it through the selection process?'' Did you get a job offer?’’ This can lead to feelings of impatience and inferiority. The best way to change your mood is to go out to dinner with someone you can’t talk to about job hunting, such as a lower class student who isn’t job hunting or a local friend who is pursuing a completely different career path, and talking silly and laughing out loud.

4. Set short-term goals (rewards)

The goal of getting a job offer'' is too far away to keep you motivated. By setting detailed rewards, such as I’ll eat some expensive sweets from a convenience store after I finish writing this ES,’’ or ``I’ll buy the clothes I wanted after I finish this week’s interview,’’ you’ll have the energy to overcome the task at hand.

Summary

Job hunting is a continuous process of “comparison with others” and is an environment that can easily drain your mind. Even if you receive a ``prayer email,’’ it does not mean that you have been rejected, but simply that you are not a good fit with the company. Find your own way to relieve stress, take a break, and continue job hunting in a way that suits you both physically and mentally.