One of the most draining experiences one can endure is the job search. While it may seem like a piece of cake to draw up a few resumes and cover letters, search jobs and submit the documentation, the entire process can wear a person down over time. This is especially true if the search takes longer than a few months.

If you have been searching for a job for a while and are tired, feeling discouraged, and just want a break, it’s time to employ some rules that will help you to stop overextending yourself. So before you begin your search again, take a look at some self-care techniques to help you feel replenished and empowered.

Remember that Job Seeking is a Job Within Itself

Many people take for granted the amount of energy required to conduct a job search. You are participating in a new activity that your body and mind simply aren’t used to. This means, you have to get yourself used to performing these tasks everyday – almost like learning to ride a bike. Over time, you can get tired of the job search just as you can a job you work every day. So give yourself breaks in between, and even give yourself room to adapt to your “learning curve.”

Take Care of Your Entire Self

You may be used to thinking of yourself as a “worker” and now that you’re out of work and searching for employment, you’re struggling to regroup. This is the perfect time to get to know and take care of your entire self physically, emotionally and mentally.

For instance, you might have been accustomed to physical activities before you started your last job, but let those die down as you traded them for hard days at work. Now that you have some time again, build yourself back up physically by participating in an activity you love whether its aerobics, basketball, tennis, or even bowling. Also, it’s good to watch your diet. By reducing the sugars and salts and increasing the fresh fruits and veggies, you’ll find yourself perking up considerably. Remember, when you work your body, you rejuvenate the mind and feel better in the process.

On the emotional side of things, it’s good to pay attention to how you’re feeling during your job search. If you feel down-and-out or emotionally drained, it’s good to journal about your experiences to help get them out of your system and provide a way to encourage yourself through the process. Being mentally drained is also a common occurrence during a job search, which is why it’s a good idea focus on activities like yoga and meditation to calm the mind.

Conducting a job search for a long period of time is definitely a tall order. It’s something you don’t want to take for granted because the wear and tear can drain you before you know it. So while you’re vigorously searching for work, make sure to explore how you’re feeling physically, mentally and emotionally. This will help to prepare you for not just the job search, but also interviews, and essentially your first day on your new job.