These are tough times for the American workforce.
Earlier this month, Nestlé announced 16,000 job cuts, and last week Target announced its first job cuts in 10 years, cutting 1,800 positions. This trend further intensified this week when Amazon announced it would lay off 14,000 employees, but Reuters reports that the number could eventually reach 30,000. All of this is happening as the country approaches its second month of government shutdown.
Whether you’re directly affected or just worried about the future, these are stressful times. But experts say it’s especially important to take care of our physical, mental and emotional health during times like these.
Atlanta-based behavioral wealth specialist Wendell Clark helps clients with financial planning, including risk management in uncertain times. Here’s what he recommends to stay calm:
3 tips to get 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.
Clark suggests asking yourself a few questions to get to the root cause of your stress and anxiety. “What’s the source of that?” he says. “Is this a fear of not having enough? Is this an anxiety about what our relationship with the government will be?”
Uncertainty can drive people to coping strategies like retail therapy or drinking, he says.
Rationally assessing what’s going on and how you’re feeling will help ensure that the way you respond is also reasonable.
2. Don’t try to do it alone.
When you feel overwhelmed by fear and anxiety, lean on your support system.
“It could be a therapist, a friend, a pastor,” Clark says. “If a person feels defeated, they should not suffer in silence.”
Identify people you trust and share what you are going through with them. Even if you’re not ready to reveal everything, the simple act of being with people will have an impact.
“Spending time with others when you’re going through a difficult time can help you cope,” he says.
3. Please be careful
Finally, when the world situation is stressing you out, you need to take care of yourself.
Clark says the adrenaline from stress can make it difficult to sleep, and high anxiety can make it difficult to eat properly.
Prioritize “getting enough sleep,” he says. “Be sure to drink plenty of water, exercise, and spend time in the sun.”
All this will help you protect your health at all times, no matter how you feel that day.
“If you neglect yourself, you’re not doing yourself any favors,” Clark says.
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