Move Your Body

I think it’s important to talk about the stress that comes as a result of today’s economy – in terms of  how it impacts our health and ways that we can cope.  It’s hard to go a day without hearing about layoffs – whether it’s happening to you, your friends, or in companies that you are familiar with.  Along with the emotional turmoil that comes with a layoff – whether you are the one laid-off, or the person picking up extra work as a result of a lay-off – comes stress.

We recently went through some pretty deep cuts at my own company, and I found myself not being able to sleep for the entire weekend leading up to “the big day.”  I went to the gym and was able to pound out an extra mile or two on the treadmill at a faster pace than normal.  This tends to be somewhat predictable for me – if I’m going through something emotionally, I tend to be able to workout harder, and I feel better afterward.  After talking through some things with some close friends and family members, I was able to sleep better, too.  We wrote a post earlier about the benefits of exercise for sleep that might be helpful to you.

Today’s work environment is especially challenging.  It seems cuts are lurking behind every corner, so we all feel the pressure to perform better and faster at work – for fear our own job could be on the line.  That means stress.  And what if you do lose your job?   Besides having to endure the pitying looks of your close friends and family, you have the stress of navigating bills, debt and finding a new job in this tough market.

Now that we’ve gone through all of the negative stuff, let’s remember that there ARE some things you can do to help relieve stress and get through these difficult times.  Whether or not you lose your job is likely far beyond  your control – and it’s best to keep that in mind.  But there are some resources out there and things you can do to help combat stress.

If you’ve been laid-off, why not try having some fun?!?  If you’ve got some savings built up, perhaps you can take some time to do things you wouldn’t normally be able to do while working 9-5.  Short on cash?  Take a day or two and relax.  You owe it to yourself.  Tell all your friends, “Hey – I’m not UNemployed.  I’m FUNemployed, baby. “  There’s a great article in Men’s Health that has some tips, if you’re so inclined.

Say you’re one of the lucky (or not so lucky, depending on your glass half-full/empty outlook) ones who “survived” the last round of cuts?  It’s stressful enough to see friends and colleagues walk away, but what about all that extra work you now have to take on?  Today at work one of my coworkers said, “Hey!  You’re lucky to have a job!” (Joking, of course.)  And I said, “Yeah!  I’m lucky enough to have eight!”  Here are some tips on making the most of your job when you are taking on extra work.

So what if you’re the one actually laying people off (*gasp!)!?  Well there’s help and resources out there for those in this position as well.  Although it certainly isn’t easy to be on the receiving end of the conversation that your position is no longer needed, it isn’t always a cake walk for those delivering the news.  Here is an interesting article about dealing with stress if you’re the one wielding the axe.

Bear in mind that getting some exercise, eating healthy, talking to friends and family, sleep, or even doing things like yoga or trying acupuncture can help relieve stress.  Good luck to you and remember that everything happens for a reason!