Life challenges can come in many different forms. On the professional front, a job layoff can elicit a range of emotional and physical responses. Learning how to cope during this transitional period, as discussed below, can help you maintain a positive outlook and care for your general wellbeing during the search for a new job. 

3 Coping Mechanisms After a Job Layoff

1. Maintain a Support System

A job layoff causes an abrupt change to your normal routine. It is natural to feel overwhelmed, depressed, or angered by the news. This could lead you to isolate yourself from others, which could cause the negative emotions to intensify. 

That's why it's important to maintain a supportive network of friends and family members you can trust. Being able to talk to others about how you are feeling can help relieve stress during life challenges. Knowing others care about your wellbeing can help you maintain a sense of belonging, too. 

2. Take Care of Your Physical Health

The emotional toll of a job layoff can manifest in physical changes, too. The stress might make it difficult to sleep at night and/or cause muscle tension. 

Depression can cause lethargy and changes in appetite as well. Maintaining a routine can improve your wellbeing. Going for a jog or brisk walk each day, for instance, curbs the production of stress hormones and stimulates the production of mood-boosting and painkilling endorphins.

Insomnia can make depression worse and affect the ability to concentrate, which is why you should stick to a sleep schedule. Listening to relaxing music and taking a warm bath are two ways to help your mind and body unwind to prepare for slumber. 

3. Talk to Professionals

The stress of a job layoff can make it difficult to focus on what to do next. A life coach can help you navigate the current obstacles to help refocus your intentions and get your life goals back on track. During anxiety counseling, you will learn stress management techniques to identify stressors, acknowledge how you currently respond, and change those behaviors to improve your well-being.

To help you manage a job layoff or other life challenges, contact Turning Point Life Coaching in Rochester, NY. With over 35 years of experience, licensed psychologist Audrey Berger provides in-person and online therapy to assist people with recognizing their strengths and working toward their goals during life transitions. Find answers to frequently asked questions online, and call (585) 292-0095 for an appointment.