When you are directly and immediately affected by job changes, it is easy to become paralyzed with shock, feel invalidated and expendable, and worry about your value in the current workplace. Even after a long career, you may suddenly start to second-guess your original decision to work for your employer. You may feel guilty, resentful, depressed or angry about failing yourself and your family, who depends upon your income. For these reasons, you may fear even telling your closest friends and family about the impending change, ignoring any potential support network that could help you manage the change. The resulting stress can be overwhelming. It is at such times that it is important for you to recognize the impact that stress has on your life and on your choices, gain some perspective, consider your options, and remember how to feel good again about yourself as a person and as a contributing member of society. There are five key C’s to successful coping: 1. Be Conscious. Recognize your signs of stress; they may be physical or emotional; they may be obvious or very subtle. Be more aware of the negative beliefs and self- talk that cause you to feel stressed. Recognize your strengths and forgive your human frailties. Pay attention to the type of stress you exhibit so that you know how to address it effectively. Stay in touch with yourself. 2. Communicate. State your desires without apology or shame. Share your frustrations and ask for help, rather than isolating yourself from your support system. Protect yourself by setting limits to what you will or will not allow in your life. Negotiate options that will better meet everyone’s needs. Learn to say “no” when necessary to avoid being stretched too thin. Stay in touch with others. 3. Assume Control. Clarify your values and goals. Take charge of your own life. Set your own priorities. Refuse to play victim. Make sure that you know what you need and take steps to ensure that your own needs are met. Schedule balance into your life. Stay in touch with your power. 4. Seek Cooperation. Accept that you do not have to be the only person carrying the burden of care. Become comfortable with delegating tasks and asking others to assume their share of the responsibilities. Learn to rely on those around you. Stay in touch with your capacity. 5. Recognize Choices. Remember that you always have a choice. Since every choice has natural consequences, do not be afraid to make a different choice when your own health and well-being depend on it. Remove unnecessary limitations on your thoughts and aspirations. Look for the opportunities that accompany the changes. Stay in touch with your creativity. This is not the first time that you will experience the stress of change- and it is probably not the last time, either. Be conscious of your stress, communicate your needs, assume control, seek cooperation, and recognize your choices. Stay in touch with yourself, with others, with your power, your capacity, and your creativity. You will survive this crisis. You may even thrive as the change opens up new opportunities in your life.
Article Source: http://www.bizymoms.com/expert-advice
Deborah Spring Laurel is the President of Laurel and Associates, Ltd., a woman-owned business that consults on workplace learning and performance issues. For information about her training and consulting services, please visit her website: www.laurelandassociates.com. You will find a white paper there: Hot Tips for Good Mental Health.