Tip for a better job search: Exercise!

In an economy where the competition for good jobs is fierce, it can become quite easy to become discouraged in the face of repeated lack of success in landing the job of one's dreams. That discouragement can easily lead to depression, setting off a downward spiral of emotional and physical lethargy.

Fortunately, there's a simple way to break that spiral and restore your mood so you can continue your search with a positive attitude: Exercise.

Physical activity, it turns out, is a highly effective antidepressant. Researchers at Duke University studying subjects who had been depressed for four months or more found that 60 percent of those who excercised regularly for 30 minutes three times a week overcame their depression without medication. Furthermore, sustained exercise over a long period of time reduces the chances of depression returning.

The exact reasons why regular exercise cures depression are unclear, but mental health experts believe that they center on the chemicals produced by exercise, including endorphins and a substance known as brain-deprived neurotrophic factor, which is thought to elevate mood. Exercise also reduces immune system chemicals thought to worsen depression. It also takes your mind off your cares and gets you back out into the world, both of which help fight off depression as well.

Exercise in this case doesn't have to be strenuous to be beneficial. Of course, the more you exercise, and the more intense your exercise level, the more benefit you will get, both physical and mental, but even going out for a half-hour walk will produce a beneficial effect if you do it regularly. Household chores, such as vacuuming, washing the car, and gardening, can also produce some of the benefits of exercise. And if you can't get in a good long walk or workout all at once, try breaking the activity up into short bursts.

Or you can incorporate exercise into your everyday routine (and you should still have one of these even if you are not employed, for regular activity of any kind helps alleviate the symptoms and causes of depression). Instead of driving to the corner store, try walking instead. If you have a bicycle, use it to get to an appointment or activity instead of your car if it's at all feasible. When going on a job interview, park at the far end of the lot from the office and walk the extra distance. In these ways, you can steadily build up your defenses against depression and refocus your mind on getting that job you want.

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By: Sandy Smith

Sandy Smith is an award-winning writer and editor who has spent most of his career in public relations and corporate communications. His work has appeared in The Philadelphia Inquirer, the Philadelphia CityPaper, PGN, and a number of Web sites. Philly-area residents may also recognize him as "MarketStEl" of discussion-board fame. He has been a part of the great reserve army of freelance writers since January 2009 and is actively seeking opportunities wherever they may lie.