What is stress? Stress is a threat to our system and it sets off many alarms. You’ve heard of the saying “I’m stressed out” or “work is getting to me,” but when job loss is involved or lay offs have occurred it is even more common to hear “I’ve just been laid off and the mortgage is due.” Or what about “I need groceries and I have two kids in school. What am I going to do?” 
It is clear that stress is different for a lot of people, but it is definitely a negative feeling. For some people it can be so upsetting that it can feel like you have fallen and you can’t get up. Stress can be both physical and mental. It can show up as difficulty sleeping, concentrating, and irritability, bursting out crying or worst of all in domestic violence when people reach the end of their rope. It can even manifest itself as headaches, backaches, and increased blood pressure as well as a flare up of their arthritis. In response to these strains you can also show an increase in heart rate, respiration, and metabolism. Your muscles can become tense all the time.
This severity of stress can threaten your health and well being while you hurriedly job hunt for some form of employment that may be out of your field, or simply give up which can lead to depression or to the drastic stories you hear on the news such as suicide.
Did you know that 75-90% of visits to physicians are stress related? Job stress is a major health factor costing businesses an estimated $150 billion dollars annually.
Can You Identify Negative
Reactions To Stress Or Tension?
1. Do minor problems and disappointments upset you excessively? 
2. Have you just “lost it” since you lost your job and can’t seem to get it together?
3. Do the small pleasures of life fail to satisfy you anymore?
4. Are you unable to stop thinking about your worries?
5. Do you feel inadequate or suffer from self doubt?  Did you define yourself by your job?
6. Are you constantly tired?
7. Do you experience flashes of anger over minor problems?
8. Do you suffer from chronic pain, headaches, or backaches?
If you answered yes to most of these questions consider the following suggestions:
Tips For Reducing Or
Controllong Stress
Remember that trying these suggestions will take more than a half-hearted effort. Give it your best and be persistent realizing that the changes won’t happen overnight. Reducing stress may require lifestyle changes.
1. Be realistic. If you feel overwhelmed try to make realistic budget cuts where possible. Don’t try to live at your previous economic level just to prove something to others.  liminate extra purchases and activities temporarily when possible. Just say NO when you need to.
2. Shed the “superman/superwoman” urge. No one is perfect, so don’t expect it from yourself or a spouse that might be looking for a job. Be willing to listen to others and compromise when possible.
3. Take one thing at a time. Ordinary things can become overwhelming. The best thing to do is to make a plan to improve your situation and tackle one problem at a time.
4. Exercise. Regular exercise is a great and easy way to relieve stress. Just 20-30 minutes of daily physical activity benefits the body and the mind.
5. Develop a healthy lifestyle. Limit the fast food and focus on good nutrition. Eating right can make a big difference. In addition, you should limit alcohol and caffeine and work on establishing a regular sleeping pattern. Balance work search activities and play.
6. Practice your faith each day rather than engaging in a “pity party” on the phone or via e-mail with someone who is also experiencing a stressful time. We all know that misery loves company, but you do not have time for that sort of distraction. Positive conversations about the future with positive people are the best way to move forward.
7. Foster positive thoughts. I encourage you to read the bible or practice meditation, visualization, and reflecting on positive thoughts for 10-20 minutes each day to usher in a sense of peace and calmness so you can focus on your goals.
8. Share your positive job search experiences with others in a similar situation and learn how they are improving their chances for returning to work. Two heads are always better than one.
Where To Get Help
1. A close friend or spouse
2. A doctor or pastor
3. Employee Assistance Program
4. A counselor or psychiatrist
Resources: American Institute of Stress - Phone-914-963-1200 - www.stress.org