by Ann E. Smith

Created on: January 27, 2010   Last Updated: October 21, 2010

In a tough economy, millions of people are faced with downsizing from corporations. If you are one of the unfortunates who get laid off, you’re clearly facing a tough situation. Your future is uncertain and your steady income has been cut off; additionally, you may have loved the job you lost. While being laid off is not easy, it’s essential that you try to find ways to see the positive so that your emotional health is protected. Below are a few tips on how to stay positive when laid off.

* Remember that yesterday ended last night

Key to acceptance of your situation is to remember that yesterday ended last night. Reliving the final months at your last job is not a smart use of time - unless there is something to be learned. Rehashing all of the things you contributed at your last employer does you no good either, unless you’re literally updating your resume.

To lessen the resentments that you feel during this hard time, try to accept what has happened. You can’t change it. And if you fight against it in your mind, your thoughts may be angry and negative. Allow yourself to experience some anger, as that’s natural. But allow that for a minimal amount of time. The sooner you can accept what’s happened, the sooner you can move forward with your career and life.

* Think of other hard things you’ve survived

When laid off, you may feel a sense of helplessness. Turn that feeling into one of quiet resolve. Remind yourself that you’ve been through hard times before and usually come out ahead. You have what you need to survive. Just remember that, as you need to rely on your strengths to get through this period of time.

* Stay busy

When you keep yourself busy, you will be more likely to stay positive. It helps you get your mind off things, and you will feel a sense of achievement. Take on new projects, ones you never had time to do when fully employed. You can work these projects in as you conduct your job search. By finding time to do some things you would not otherwise do, you’ll feel more positive.

* Exercise

Exercise is hugely important for reducing stress and staying positive. When you work out, endorphins are released. These natural feel-good chemicals will help you stay in a more positive frame of mind.

* Volunteer

If you need to gain perspective, use this time between jobs to volunteer. When you help others, you will feel more positive. And you may possibly find another job through the networking you do while volunteering. If anything, you will feel better by giving of yourself to others.

It is possible to stay positive when laid off. Make it one of your jobs to stay positive, and you will find you jobless situation to be far more bearable. And when you’re working again, you will be glad you did not feel completely miserable the entire time you were without work.

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