Beat the unemployment blues - ShapeYourLife News

beat the unemployment blues Being unemployed can do a number on your self-esteem. Keep your confidence intact with these tips from Ann Kearney-Cooke, Ph.D., director of the Cincinnati Psychotherapy Institute.

Follow a regular schedule. Maintain a sense of purpose by scheduling daily activities for yourself during working hours, such as going to the gym from 8-9 a.m., contacting potential employers from 10 a.m. to noon, etc.

Take advantage of your time off. Enroll in a computer-graphics or creativewriting class, or study a new language. Acquiring skills will boost your confidence--and you'll have another asset to add to your resume.

Value your other accomplishments. Many of us tend to define ourselves by our careers, which is why losing a job can feel like a loss of identity. Try to focus on other achievements, like reaching a weight-loss goal or volunteering.

Stay connected. Talking to close friends and family members can help you gain perspective on your situation and make you feel less alone. Another plus to staying social: More than 90 percent of job seekers land positions through networking.

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