These are challenging times for the American workforce.
Earlier this month, Nestle announced it was cutting 16,000 jobs, and last week Target laid off 1,800 people in its first layoffs in a decade. This trend was further reinforced this week when Amazon announced it would lay off 14,000 employees. report Ultimately, it could hit 30,000 workers. All of this is happening as the country approaches two months of government shutdown.
Whether you’ve been directly affected or are worried about the future, this is a stressful time. But experts say it’s especially important to take care of your physical, mental and emotional health during times like these.
Atlanta-based Behavioral Asset Specialist Wendell Clark We assist clients with financial planning, including risk management, during uncertain times. Here are his recommendations for staying calm:
3 tips for getting through stressful times
1. Take time to process and understand your emotions.
First, it’s important to understand exactly what you’re feeling and why.
Clarke suggests asking yourself a few questions that can help you identify the root cause of your stress and anxiety. “What is the source of this?” he says “Is it fear of not having enough? Is it anxiety about what will happen to the government?”
Uncertainty can cause people to turn to coping mechanisms, such as retail therapy or drinking, he says.
A rational assessment of what is happening and how you are feeling can help you identify how to respond reasonably.
2. Don’t try to do it alone
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by fear and anxiety, lean on your support system.
“That person could be a therapist, a friend, a pastor,” says Clarke. “No one who feels they are overwhelmed should suffer in silence.”
Identify people you trust and share with them what you are going through. Even if you’re not ready to reveal everything, the simple act of being present with people will make an impact.
“Spending time with other people when we are going through difficulties helps us cope,” he says.
3. Take care of yourself
Lastly, when things in the world are stressing you out, you need to take care of your body.
The adrenaline from stress can make it difficult to sleep, and high anxiety can make it difficult to eat properly, says Clarke.
He says he prioritizes “getting enough sleep.” “Drink plenty of water, exercise, and spend time in the sun.”
All of these can help you continue to protect your health, no matter how you feel on any given day.
“We don’t do ourselves any favors if we neglect ourselves,” says Clarke.
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