The weekend can be a great time to take a well earned break from your job search and refresh your mind.
Taking a step back and giving yourself the time to reflect on your current situation whilst doing things you enjoy, could help you to approach your job search with a fresh sense of perspective in the coming week.
With that said, we’ve come up with eight simple things you could do this weekend, that come Monday, might just help you feel re-energised and ready to tackle your job search head on…
1. Phone a friend you haven't spoken to in a long time
Chances are, you’ve got a friend (or even a family member), that you’ve been meaning to catch up with for months – or even years! A Bank Holiday weekend is a great time to pick up the phone and reach out to them to see what they’ve been up to.
Connecting with a friend from the past is an opportunity to take a trip down memory lane, remember the good times and help you stay connected with your roots – which can be particularly helpful if your job search has left you feeling a bit lost. You also never know what you’ll find out – maybe they are searching for work too and you can agree to keep in regular contact to inspire and motivate one another. Or perhaps they’ve started a new career that interests you and they can give you some tips on how to get started.
Wherever your conversation leads, friends can be big sources of support and can probably help take your mind off your job search for an hour or two!
2. Pamper yourself
It’s important to be kind to yourself this weekend, and one of the best ways to do this is to find a way to pamper yourself! Perhaps you’ve been meaning to get a haircut, trim your beard or get a massage – or maybe you’d love to just sit at home with a face mask on and watch a good movie.
Giving yourself a bit of self-care can do wonders for your mood and your confidence, leaving you feeling refreshed and ready to go in search of your next adventure when Tuesday rolls around.
3. Go for a long walk
Walking is a great way to stay fit, get some fresh air and clear your mind. When you have a list of pressing priorities, it’s easy to dismiss going for a walk as something you just don’t have time to do. But taking the time to do it could actually make you more productive when you return.
Doing something active has a whole range of mental health benefits, such as improving self-esteem, mood and sleep quality. Some people prefer to walk alone, using it as a time to think creatively or relax, zone-out and unwind, whilst others prefer to walk in pairs or a group, turning it into a social activity.
Whatever your preference, if you’ve got a load on your mind, then getting outside and moving can be a great way to quiet your mind and should leave you feeling freer and more positive about the tasks that lie ahead.
4. Reflect on your progress so far and consider what your next steps could be
Sometimes – if your job search isn’t going to plan – then it can be difficult to take note of the positives. But looking for a job isn’t easy and it’s important to recognise everything that you’ve done during your search so far. It can be a good idea to look back on the applications you’ve completed and note down how you think they could be improved. If you’ve had any interviews, then it’s a good idea to gather any feedback and make sure that you are using it when working on future applications and attending future interviews. If things aren’t going to plan, then sometimes, a subtle change of approach can be all that’s needed to unlock your next opportunity.
A long weekend can also be a great time to make sure the roles that you’re applying for, are still the type of work that you want to do. There’s a wider range of opportunities out there, so there’s nothing wrong with taking a little time to consider new options and think more deeply about what it is you really want from your next job. Many people are put off applying for the role they really want for fear of not succeeding – you may well get a number of rejections, but when people really want something, it shines through during the interview process and their chances of success can actually be higher.
5. Adopt a hobby
Has it been a long time since you’ve picked up your guitar, or baked your favourite lemon drizzle cake? Why not give it a go this weekend?
Immersing yourself in a hobby can be a fantastic way to relieve stress, reignite old passions and get your brain thinking creatively.
If your job search has become overwhelming, then it can be helpful to have an activity that you enjoy as an outlet for any feelings of frustration. Everyone will have different ideas about what that activity is – and if you haven’t found it yet, why not spend some time this weekend looking up local introductory or taster courses for a range of activities you might enjoy.
6. Spend time with your pet - or borrow someone else’s!
Pets are great stress-busters, and research shows that they can lower blood pressure and improve your mood.
So if you’re at a loose end this weekend, why not consider doing some extra bonding with your pet? You could spend the afternoon doing some extra training with them, hanging out at home or going out for a long walk. Animals are great at helping you to forget about the daily stresses of life and are usually great at offering up unconditional love, which is always nice!
If you haven’t got a pet, then why not ask a friend, family member or neighbour if you can borrow theirs for a few hours? Websites like Borrow my Doggy are also a great way to meet local dogs near you.
To find out more about the benefits of owning a pet, take a look at our article here.
7. Consider starting a journal
Have you ever kept a journal? It’s a great way to adopt a new perspective on life and stay focused on the positives even when life gets difficult.
The best way to get started is by buying a journal where you can write down one thing that you are grateful for each day. It can be anything at all, no matter how big or small – for example, being grateful for family or for the amazing view that you have from one of the windows in your home.
Then if you’re ever having a rough day, or just need a little pick-me-up, you can read back through your journal and hopefully feel more positive about all the great things you have in your life. Why not give it a try? It works!
8. Do something - anything, that puts a smile on your face
No matter what you do this weekend, make sure you do something that puts a smile on your face. This could be anything from cooking your favourite meal, spending time with family, or listening to a playlist of your favourite songs.
Finding a job can be really exhausting, so it’s important you take time to look after yourself and find ways to make you smile and enjoy yourself. Often it’s when we take a moment to slow down, that opportunity presents itself.
Do you have any interesting plans for the weekend? We’d love to hear from you at [email protected].
