Becoming unemployed often means more than losing your job. As the initial shock begins to wear off, you may very well start to experience emotional and financial stress. Worse yet, as this stress builds within you, your unemployment may affect your relationships with family and friends. The longer unemployment lasts, the greater the stress may become. If you are to survive, you need to read these 7 steps on coping with unemployment stress.

1. DON’T BLAME YOURSELF

If you were laid off due to budget cuts, you may initially feel responsible and that you did something wrong, or even wonder why they picked you above others. For all you know, your name was picked from a hat, so don’t start by blaming yourself. An employer making budget cuts has to pick someone. They weight many facts, look at everyone’s qualifications, and then have the difficult task of choosing. You won, but the prize just wasn’t a very good one.

2. ADJUST YOUR LIFE STYLE

You immediately need to sum up your current financial situation. Unless you have a lot of money saved up, you will need to start living on a reduced income for a while; so start preparing for it. Begin by cutting the unnecessary luxuries in your life like high speed internet, pay movie channels and extravagant phone services. Sit down with your family and decide what adjustments need to be made. If you got severance pay, don’t spend it like a bonus; you’re going to need it to survive until you find employment.

3. TAKE CARE OF YOUR BODY

Getting regular sleep, eating properly and exercising are very important for keeping your head clear and your stress levels down. Don’t let the unemployment stress beat you into the ground; you’ll need to be in good shape and frame of mind to get your next job.

4. TAKE CARE OF YOUR MIND

This may not be for everyone, but you need to keep your spiritual mind strong. Pray, read the Bible, and have faith that God has a new path for you to follow. Faith goes a long way in helping you cope. A friend once told me; “When God takes something from your hand, He is just making room for something greater”

5. COMMUNICATE

Discuss the situation. Don’t carry the burden alone. Your family and friends are your support system. Networking with others may land you an interview somewhere. Please don’t under estimate the need to network. Over 70% of jobs are landed through networking, not via online resume submission! Get out of the house and start participating in networking groups. Be sure to let everyone know you are in the market for a job.

6. CREATE A SCHEDULE

Organize your day around the task of finding a job, but set limits. Get up, shower, get dressed just like you were going to work. Your new job is finding a job; treat it like one. Evenings and weekends should be for family, relaxation and recreation.

7. START YOUR NEW JOB

Looking for a job is a full-time endeavor and the most important thing you can do right now. You are most attractive to other employers when you are first laid off so don’t start by taking a few months off before the job searching starts.

So remember, don’t fall prey to unnecessary stress. Follow the 7 steps to coping with unemployment stress by not blaming yourself, getting control of your finances, and taking care of your body and mind. Then don’t forget to communicate with those close to you. Let others help you carry the burden. Finally, make sure you schedule your time wisely so you can plan your job search, network with others, and land that next job.

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