Ways to Relax before a Job interview

It’s OK, everyone feels a bit worried before their job interviews. Worrying is a normal coping mechanism for most of us as our jobs are often very stressful. Don’t force your mind to calm down. Forcing your mind not to do something, will only bring stress to the forefront. Instead, let those thoughts in. There are several ways by which you can overcome stress and relax before a job interview. Our experts offer some tips in order to relax before a job interview.

1. Accept the fear

If you are terrified of a job interview then there is nothing wrong with you. Everyone is scared of an interview; it’s a common practice that helps us all get on with our lives. So accepting that you might be nervous will help you overcome your fear. This will also take your mind off it and makes you think more clearly and become more confident about the interview. When a person feels fear and acknowledges that it’s natural then that is also when you can manage it. Find someone you know you can depend on and who can guide you through the day.

2. Avoid caffeine

Many people will tell you that having caffeine before a job interview is the best way to calm your nerves and help you give your interview with ease. Of course, it is not a great idea, please don’t fool yourself.

3. Don’t try to force your mind not to be worried

Don’t try to force your mind not to be worried. Instead, allow your mind to be afraid so that it can be used as a tool for you to get the job. Research conducted in 2015 found out that meditation and exposure therapy can help to relieve stress, reduce hyper-arousal, and build resilience in the person. A study by the University of Warwick found out that exposure therapy helps reduce stress, lower cortisol, and increase resilience. In addition, research by the University of California showed that meditation has a positive impact on performance and decision-making skills in people who suffer from a social anxiety disorder.

4. Practice a little bit every day

If you want to relax before the job interview, you need to practice. This will not only help you relax but will also let you experience the actual feeling of doing these little tasks. Practice this and you will quickly learn what works and what doesn’t. Look at how others relax before an interview most successful people relax before an interview by reading a book or writing down their goals. They have some sort of a routine they follow that helps them forget about the fact that they are about to go interview for a new job. Meditation practicing meditation helps in the way that it helps you enter the different levels of the subconscious mind.

5. Get a good night’s sleep

Getting enough sleep before an interview helps you do well at interviews. So, if you have not yet had a good night’s sleep, get a good night’s sleep. Allow yourself to do something you enjoy. Taking some time out to do something you enjoy can help relieve stress.

6. Have a light breakfast

Having a light breakfast or a brunch sometime before the interview helps a lot. It should mainly consist of the following food items.

– Fatty acids e.g. salmon, egg

– Vitamins found in spinach, broccoli or peas, etc.

–  Whole grains

7. By Listening To Relaxing Music

It has been found through many studies that slow music, loosens up the tensed muscles. It helps in improving mood by releasing stress.

8. You Can Relax Before a Job Interview By Doing Some Breathing Exercises

Breathing deeply relaxes and lowers the stress. Breathe in slowly through the nose, it will feel like the lower belly is rising. Thus fills the lungs to their maximum and even the lowest part of the lungs will get their share of oxygen. Breathing exercises are very easy to learn and do, they don’t require anything special, you can do them anywhere at any time.

9. Practice Having Mock Interviews to Relax Before A Job Interview

The more you practice something, the more conviction your mind gets in excelling it. This confidence that you have tried your best before the interview, gives you a feeling of control, over the things you can control.

10. Visualize yourself in the interview

Visualization is one of the oldest psychological tools which have been in use since 2,500 BCE. This technique has been known to reduce stress. Try visualizing yourself in an interview. Your body should feel comfortable, calm, and relaxed. Now, try and relax your body. Let your muscles stretch. Try not to think about your future during this relaxation exercise. Just sit comfortably and gently let your body relax. Touch your skin, your scalp is a very good way to relax. Observe the hair on your head or feel the wind ruffling your hair.

11. Go for a walk

Stress is killing us, it’s killing everyone. Stress is different for everyone, but when we are stressed, we are unable to focus on our thoughts, we can’t avoid negative thoughts, and our thoughts become distortions in our minds. Sometimes a quiet walk in the park is all you need.

Conclusion about ways to relax before a job interview

Dealing with a job interview can be a challenge but with the right approach, you can find the path to your success.

Disclaimer

The content of this article has been developed by third-party medical content writers and/or experts. The information mentioned in the article is only for educational purposes and therefore it is requested to consult a doctor/ physician before diagnosing and deciding the treatment plan.