Especially for older workers, a job search should not be all mental
People rack their brains during their job searches. Re-do your resume. Draft a cover letter. Research companies. Hone your network. Seek out opportunities. Prep for interviews.
It’s all very taxing – mentally.
It should come as no surprise to anyone that keeping yourself sharp from the neck down also can be a tremendous help to your job search. Most experts agree that a sound mind in a sound body is not just a slogan. There’s real wisdom there.
Physical fitness professionals typically first point to exercise as a great stress reducer. When you exercise you release endorphins which improve your mental state as well as allowing you to sleep better. Get a good night’s sleep before an important interview and you’re off to a great start.
They also claim that exercise can make you more alert and give you more energy. The increased blood flow to your brain also will benefit the cerebral side of your job search.
Most experts also agree that as little as 20 minutes of exercise a day is sufficient to improve your general health. And one of the best ways to increase your exercise time is to build it right into your schedule, your routine. Maybe it’s during that mid-morning break. Or right after lunch. Or just before or after dinner. Whatever works best for you and your schedule.
If you’re questioning the benefits of exercise in your job search, look at how many companies now provide exercise areas in house, and how many companies offer gym memberships as a job benefit. Companies don’t like to spend money unless there are some definite returns.
This is not to say that you need to join a gym (but you could if you want to.) Some relatively simple bending and stretching, a short jog or a brisk walk could be all that you need to loosen those tight joints, get that blood flowing and put you closer to getting your groove back.
It couldn’t hurt. Well, not too much.
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