Dealing with Stress

Loss of a job is in the “top” five life events which cause major stress. Job loss impacts ALL members of your family because it causes financial and life changes that were not anticipated.

When you lose a job, your entire routine changes....think about it....when you went to work, you got up at a certain time, had a morning routine, drove to work (or the vehicle was on auto-pilot and go you to work without you having any recall of the trip in), you entered your place of business through an assigned entrance, went to your work space, worked, went to lunch when you were suppose to, worked more, went home and started that routine, went to bed and started the routine over the next morning.

When your former employer said "goodbye", your entire routine was screwed up. In addition to the financial loss, you have no routine - this all adds up to stress.

To get through this challenging time, develop a personal stress management plan.

1. Recognize stresses surrounding your job search. In another blog, there are suggestions as to how to plan your job search and when to do certain "things". Identify which tasks are "no big deal" and which ones "stress you out". Limit the time doing the stressful tasks to 30 minutes then change tasks and do something which is not stressful or is rewarding.
2. Identify what, in your personal life, is adding to your stress. Try to identify how these stresses can be reduced. If you need help, you might consider talking to someone at your church, synagogue or temple - religious leaders are often trained in counseling techniques. Also see if your local employment office has certified counselors or social workers. Sometimes it takes someone outside your situation, to see an easy solution - let's face it - we are invested in our own lives whereas an outside party is neutral and has a clearer perspective.
3. Make a household budget. List all your monthly obligations. Which of these expenses can you reduce? Can you reduce costs by using coupons? Can you average your utility payments? Can you ask your creditors to reduce your interest rates?
4. Get moving! Physical activity increases chemicals which impact different parts of your brain - the parts which make you feel better.
5. Learn and use relaxation techniques.
6. Make a life plan–think about what you want to do with your life, set goals, develop a plan.
7. Develop a job search plan - structure your time; practice time management and don’t forget schedule time for yourself.
8. Get out of the house - make sure you spend time with family and friends who are supportive.
9. Eat - but eat healthy, balanced and nutritious foods.
10. Refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages - they are depressants.
11. Refrain from caffeine.
12. Laugh - daily humor and laughter in your life reduces stress. Watch a comedy (What About Bob always makes me laugh).
13. Maintain your religious beliefs, social/family customs and daily routines.