When you have tons of time on your hands, one of the first things people think about is finally getting into shape. Well, I'm no different. I started working out 6 times a day, 30-60 minutes a day. Cardio, strength training and a focus on my core. In 36 days there's a noticeable difference. The physical changes came first, but the mental changes came in roaring like a freight train and haven't let up.
Even if you're not trying to get "ripped", a key to surviving unemployment is strong mental stability and staying optimistic. I'm naturally a happy person, but even I had my doldrums and self-pity parties. Getting your body moving is an easy way to up your adrenaline and sense of accomplishment. Just this week I started to rotate in some yoga to up the ante on mental development. When I work out, it gets me burning off the frustration of no call-backs, and unsuccessful interviews. Adding in yoga has really helped bring some stress-reducing exercises into the mix. It also gives a great stretch to all my hard-worked muscles and is helping increase my flexibility. Money is tight so I don't go to the gym, I use exercise DVDs and as long as you push yourself, they're fantastic.
Wanted to start this sooner, but the road has been rough. It took a good month since being laid off to get my mind calm enough to understand what the hell is happening. Being unemployed makes you feel fucking bi-polar! One second you're up and the world is your oyster, the next second you feel smaller than a grain of sand.
Well, what have I accomplished so far? Let's consider this like a first "weigh-in" and check some stats:
-36 jobs applied for
-4 succeed to interview stage
-1 job offer (kinda)
Now, the "kinda" job offer was for something I'm overqualified for at 35% less than what I've been making, it wasn't official it was a, "we really like you, but here's all we got, whaddaya think?". Beggars can't be choosers but damn, I got poor quick. That job offer made me seriously consider how low I'm willing to go. Sure you gotta take it on a case by case basis, but that sir, was too low.