When the job market is tough, finding work can take a very long time. It can take months or even a year or more to find employment. While you may have started off with a very positive attitude, you may not have one after spending a significant amount of time facing rejection. Unfortunately, your negative attitude may sabotage your job search. You may feel so unenthusiastic that you won't feel like putting forth your best effort. Your attitude will be visible to employers who may be reluctant to hire someone who doesn't look like she has enough energy to get the job done. Changing your attitude isn't easy though. Here are some tips to help you stay positive:

• Don't be so hard on yourself. Remember, you aren't the only one in this situation.

• Stay in shape. Exercise can be a great way to relieve stress, and you will look better, too.

• Eat well. It's easy to get into bad eating habits when under pressure.

• Set aside some time each day to do something that makes you feel good.

• Spend time with people who make you feel good about yourself.

• Volunteer. Not only will it be gratifying, it may give you some valuable experience.

• Learn a new skill.

• Be supportive of someone else going through a tough time.

Following these tips or doing anything you can think of to help you feel better about yourself will revitalize you. Your self-esteem will get a much-needed boost. This self-confidence will be evident to prospective employers when you go on job interviews. Best of all, you will also have more energy to put into your job search, and that can really pay off in the end.