Unemployment and uncertainty go hand and hand. Stress, anxiety and fear can also creep into your life if you let them. If you never have been unemployed, chances are you know someone who has been. Being able to handle the financial stress of unemployment is what initially comes to mind. However, we know that the ability to cope with the emotional stress of unemployment and remain positive can boost your job search and get you back to work faster.
Six tips to cope with the stress of unemployment to get back to work faster:
- Family and Friends - Don’t be afraid to let others know you are looking for work. When you share this fact with others, you tap into a valuable resource, your network. You never know who is hiring and your network of friends and family are the people who most desire to see you thrive. So speak to them and let them know if you need their assistance making additional connections.
- Schedule - Keep a regular schedule. Go to sleep and wake up just like you normally would. Plan out your day and be certain to schedule your “to do list”. Try scheduling your day the night before. This might help you be more purposeful and not add things to your schedule out of compulsion.
- Exercise - We all know that cardiovascular exercise is a great way to reduce stress and improve mood. In addition to cardio, strength training not only builds muscles but also improves self-confidence; confidence that is much needed as you prepare for interviews and learn how to sell yourself. Set a goal to exercise for one hour each day to get the blood flowing and improve your long-term outlook.
- Volunteer - Giving your time to others has many benefits. It is an excellent way to keep your mind active, build skills, remain productive, keep a routine and be mindful of your own blessings despite the fact that you are currently out of work. An added bonus; it gives you a valid response when an interviewer asks you, “So what have you been doing since you left your last job?” Many employers place volunteer experience on equal footing with paid experience.
- Be Social - Whether it’s coffee with a friend or a phone call, making sure you interact with others every day is extremely important. When you are unemployed, you might find it easy to isolate yourself. Remember that you have not been sentenced to solitary confinement because you lost your job.
- Judgment - Don’t assume that you are being judged because you are unemployed. Many people can relate to your situation. During a five-year period ending in 2014, more than 20% of Americans had been laid off at some point. People understand more than you might give them credit, and who knows, they too may have been in your shoes at some point.
For assistance on dealing with unemployment, please contact your AthLife Advisor.