Extra Credit -- What Color is Your Parachute? -- Ways to stay resilient in your job search

Searching for a new career can be discouraging, often the search can take a toll on your mental and physical health. Throughout my life, I have found myself unemployed, seeking a new career path, happily employed, and questing for career growth. You may be in one of these categories yourself, and, if you are, here are a number of ways to help you stay resilient during these turbulent (or growth) times.

1. Healthy sleeping habits--sleeping drastically changes our outlook on the world around us. Getting the right amount of sleep, whether that be an additional nap or going to bed earlier, can allow you to keep a healthy mindset while searching for a new career.

2. Staying physically fit and healthy--although you may be desperately trying to transition your career, you must not make the mistake of neglecting healthy eating habits and a regular "workout routine". Do not avoid meals while searching for a new career, and also do not become a fast-food warrior to save time. A healthy and regulated meal schedule is key, stay hydrated, and avoid sugary foods. Furthermore, take a walk to clear your head, or keep a regular workout routine--maintaining physical health is a great way to release stress and keep yourself positive.

3. Reframe your situation--stopping focusing on not being in your desired field, but rather focus on hard work and developing yourself. Focusing on positive aspects of your life will allow you to stay mentally strong and find opportunities in your toolset you can develop. Reframe the way you speak to yourself and others--grow your interpersonal influence and positivity. If the career search continues for a while, think about giving back to your community--many other people have far worse situations than yours, and this will allow you to reframe again. Keep trying to reframe your situation so you have a positive outlook on your career search.

4. Set meaningful goals--routine goals are very helpful for mental and physical health, but goals that can improve your career search are very important too. Acquire new skills. Stay informed about new developments in your desired field. Set simple goals--cleaning your workspace, making a workspace, building an image board lined with pictures of your goals, etc. Goals toward your new career help tremendously.

5. DO NOT PROCRASTINATE--avoid shirking responsibilities when it comes to your career development and transition. The more you want something, the more you seem to push it off--so, don't!

6. Channel your frustrations--finding positive ways to release your frustrations will help you get through these tasking times. Go for a walk when you are down. Scream into your pillow. Hit a punching bag. Play a contact sport. But always make sure you are not causing harm to others.

Hopefully these tips will help you stay resilient in your job search. Find the positivity in your situation and remember to take care of yourself mentally and physically. Hang in there and work on your meaningful goals.