Joy

Job Search Got You Down?

Cheer Up On the Cheap!

Looking for work is some of the toughest work you’ll ever do. We know, we’ve been there! That’s why we started our Joy List… ideas, places, quotes and tips to inspire, invigorate, and cheer you up when you need a lift.

Art & Science
Many of the world’s finest art museums and science institutes offer free or discounted tickets during off-hours. You don’t need any specialized training to gaze in wonder at an artist’s brush stroke, admire the angle of a photographer’s lens or marvel at the complexity of a modern machine. Check your paper’s community calendar for special listings.

Mother Nature
Not the outdoors type? That’s not the point! Connecting with nature awakens our senses… tunes us into the rhythm of the world in a way that helps many job seekers momentarily escape the stress of the hunt. Whatever the season, find a trail, landscape or vista that speaks to you. Best of all, it’s probably free!

Animal Instincts
Watching apes go ape at the local zoo is one of our favorite, affordable ways to find comic relief! Another way to tap your animal instincts (and stop thinking about your search) is to volunteer at a local animal care shelter. There’s nothing like a wagging tail or purring pet to make you feel valued again.

Volunteer Relief
When you’re down and out or find yourself with too much unstructured time on your hands, one sure-fire way to put a spring back into your step is to lend a helping hand. Check out serve.gov for opportunities in your neighborhood.

Renew Your Library Card
Find book in your favorite genre and get lost for a few hours in the words on the page. And if you haven’t been to your local library lately you may be surprised to find a whole lot more than books. These days you can find CDs, DVDs and video games too!

Uplifting Movies
If you like rooting for the underdog check out some of our favorite titles:

• Jerry Maguire
• Seabiscuit
• Gladiator
• Dances with Wolves
• Close Encounters of the Third Kind

Want more? Check out this list of the Top 100 Most Inspiring Movies from the American Film Institute.

Get Physical
It’s well documented that exercise will make you feel happier! You don’t have to be an athlete to benefit, and you don’t have to spend a lot of money. Check out your local park district’s offerings, rent exercise videos from the library, or go on a walk/run around your neighborhood. Often, the hardest part of working out is getting motivated to start; but once you do, you’ll be glad you did!

Happy Tracks
Have an MP3 player? Most of us do. The trick is to create a playlist just for uplifting tracks so you can access them fast. Whatever music makes you smile – be it Golden Oldies, Motown or sugary gum-smacking Pop music, crank up the tunes and dance like no one is watching.