Let’s face it: there’s a lot going on right now, and you’re not alone if you’re overwhelmed with all of it, especially if you’re also looking for a job.
How can you keep things moving?
The first thing to remember is to curate the news you consume. You want to be informed, of course, but it’s also important not to get overwhelmed. Limit the time you spend catching up on the news, and choose the sources that give you what you need. It can get tempting, for example, to scroll through stories of people who have applied for 300 jobs and not gotten a single interview—after you’ve read all about the latest acts of violence—but it doesn’t help you. You may even need to write down a list of sources you find useful, and set a timer when you’re reading them.
Second, keep in mind that you matter, too. There’s so much happening that a person might feel like their small concerns don’t matter. But this isn’t a horribleness contest. You’re not on a gameshow called Whose Life Sucks the Most? Your efforts to improve your own situation don’t become invalid because other bad things are happening. It’s okay to prioritize your own needs sometimes.
Third, try working on larger tasks in short bursts. You might like the Pomodoro approach (there are lots of free timers available as apps, YouTube videos, etc.), but you might also experiment with other periods of time. I find my sweet spot tends to be closer to 30 or 35 minutes, and some people I’ve talked with say theirs is 15. The basic principle remains the same: choose a manageable task and set a timer. Work on that task for the time you’ve allotted, even if you sit staring at a blank screen for the duration. Then take a break and do something else, ideally something with a physical component, like taking a short walk or making yourself a cup of coffee. Then, time permitting, return to the task.
Fourth, be sure to reward yourself when you accomplish things. The rewards can be small, but they should be immediate. These little things we give ourselves quickly help keep us motivated, and the sooner, the better.
Finally, be sure to keep track of your accomplishments. It’s easy to get lost in the weeds, but keeping a record of what you’ve achieved will let you see that you truly are making progress.
