Job hunting can be very taxing, both physically and emotionally. Even one rejection can send anyone into a tailspin.

It’s so important that you do lots of little things to maximize the confidence you feel and exude. Employers can sense a lack of confidence and so you can’t afford to beat yourself up.

Positive vibes, energy, and an attitude that you came to win the job, not just apply or interview should be your goal.

So this week, I have a quick list of things you can and should do to remain laser sharp.

Rest/Sleep

Make sure you are getting the right number of hours of shut-eye for you. Everyone’s a little different, but generally, it’s seven to eight hours for adults. If you get behind on your hours, catch up with naps and on your days off.

Take a 15-30 minute nap each day, if you can. I can’t take a nap at my desk and I am too far from home, so I often take a 20-minute nap in my car. It’s amazing what that does for my brain.

Exercise

A good 30 minutes per day, five days a should be sufficient. Try and elevate your heart rate a little bit so you break a sweat. If you can go for a little longer (even if it’s just walking) that’s all good and will help clear your mind. Some resistance (weights) training is great, too. You don’t have to be a marathoner or bodybuilder, just include some daily movement.

Eat Good

Everyone knows it yet, we all fall into the rut once in a while of eating too many foods that are too convenient. I’m talking about fast food and processed food mostly. Figure out your caloric intake per day and stay within it. You can eat a ton of veggies, feel satisfied and stay within your calorie count. A good tall glass of water and an apple is a great way to stave off the impulse to eat more.

Sunlight

We all need a certain amount of vitamin D and can produce it internally with adequate sunlight. A lack of it has been linked to breast cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, heart disease, depression, weight gain, and other maladies. Unfortunately, there are certain times of the year and parts of the country where that’s not possible. Generally in the Winter months and those states above the 35th parallel. So check where you live and consider alternative light therapies and/or vitamin supplements to ensure you are getting the vitamin D you need.

Volunteer

This is great for two reasons: First, you feel amazing helping people that are unable to help themselves as much. But also if you can find a way to volunteer in the dental world (clinic or classroom), you can build up your contacts and resume in the process.

Hobby

Make sure you are able to spend some time doing something you love – away from the job hunt. If it brings a smile to your face when you are doing it or thinking about it then make sure you are finding time for it. We all need that time and can actually build up our reserves and draw strength from it when needed.

Music

Music is an extremely powerful tool for guiding our emotions. So choose to listen to music in your car, while exercising, or doing other tasks to help motivate and brighten your day.

Entertainment

Sometimes we just need a small binge watch of TV, movies, theater, etc. so we can give our brains an escape from the world. That’s great and actually very productive use of your time if it re-charges you. Just be sure to schedule it rather than fall into it and stay too long.

Silence/Meditation/Prayer

Finally, everyone needs a little bit of quiet time. We simply don’t give ourselves enough time to hear the wind blow through the trees, listen to the sound of water trickling, or enjoy other ambiances of nature.

These natural sounds and silence can help our minds re-focus, re-charge, re-ignite. It also gives us a chance to think clearly about our professional and personal paths, making sure they are in line with our overall vision.

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Doug Perry is an expert resume writer and job search coach. He and his wife, Tracie, who is a dental hygienist, created GetHiredRDH in response to the challenging dental hygiene job market and have helped thousands of dental hygienists through tips and individual services. If you need individual, click here to contact Doug.