Beware! Being Unemployed Can Damage Your Health… or Worse
Research shows that even when levels of physical activity are comparable, unemployed people are less healthy than employed people. One study in particular concluded that a 1% rise in the US unemployment rate would result in approximately 37,000 additional deaths caused by increased incidences of heart attack and other cardiovascular diseases.
If knowing that you are starting with a deficit in good health because of job search stress doesn’t whip you into action, maybe this will do the trick… Exercise can help you reach your job search results faster.
Benefits of Getting Into Motion
Each time you exercise you are building positive self-image and introducing a feeling of achievement into your day. Very important in the battle against job search frustration or anxiety of any kind.
The energizing effect is not only mental, it’s also chemical and can help you fight off depression. That’s because physical activity can cause your body to release chemical agents (endorphins) that make your brain feel good.
A study done on job search behavior by Georgia Tech psych professor Ruth Kanfer showed that being active in your job search positively affects your ability to find work. Kanfer also noted that “people who change their daily routine – for example, engaging in more exercise or going to more church activities – were more successful in finding re-employment.” She concluded that these results make sense because exercise or connecting to a social support system can help reduce stress that comes from job loss.
Additionally, you’ll project a better attitude during interaction with potential employers – not to mention how being a healthy person will make a better first impression than if you are noticeably unhealthy.
Get Active Today
- Play in a team sport like adult-league soccer. Great for networking as well.
- Do something on your own if you must, but it’d be even better to get a buddy or a small group together to walk, jog, bike, etc.
- Do yoga (my favorite) or tai chi. The gentle movements will help with mental state, increase circulation & flexibility, and release muscle tension (all that time sitting at the computer researching opportunities can really wreak havoc on your neck, shoulders, lower back.)
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Angela Loëb is an author, speaker and career coach. Along with partner, Jay Markunas, she helps people gain clarity and develop successful strategies for career transition. Through their company, Great Occupations, they help job seekers and career shifters by offering seminars, webinars, tele-coaching events and individualized coaching services. Listen to them on The Job Search Boot Camp Show & check out their upcoming event The Job Search Boot Camp Webcast Series. Find out more about their services at www.greatoccupations.com.
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Tags: career transition, exercise, exercise and job search, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia Tech, job search, Job Search Boot Camp, networking, Ruth Kanfer, The Job Search Boot Camp Show, unemployed, unemployment rates