ARE YOU EXPERIENCING JOB STRESS?  
Are you stressed about a recent or threatened LAYOFF? 
Are you feeling the pressure of being a layoff survivor?

Here are some strategies you can implement now to bring yourself some relief:

• BREATHE!  Seriously, breathe and breathe deeply right now.  Especially when anxiety hits, people tend to take in only very shallow breaths, or just  plain forget to breathe often enough, both of which tend to increase anxiety.        

• DRAW SOME BOUNDARIES BETWEEN WORK AND HOME.
  Make at least one hour sacred at the end of your work day that is free from all the distractions that tie you to work.  Turn off your cell phone and your email.  Do something to take care of yourself – take your “best friend” for a walk, go to the gym, play with your children, use your imagination!

• STICK TO  YOUR ROUTINE.   Eat healthy meals, go to bed at the same time and get enough sleep.  Don’t use alcohol and other substances  excessively to relieve stress.

• DON’T OVER-COMMIT.   It’s OK to say “no.”  When you are deciding what to put on your daily plate, distinguish between the “shoulds” and the “musts.”  If it’s not critical, consider taking it off the list. 

• EMPOWER YOURSELF BY TAKING CHARGE OF ONE THING THAT YOU CAN IMPACT IN YOUR LIFE RIGHT NOW.
  Pick something to change, no matter how small, even if it is just taking the longer, more relaxing way home.

• START AND END THE DAY WITH SOME PERSPECTIVE.  
  Take note of anything for which you feel grateful.    

Sometimes prolonged periods of stress can result in Depression, Anxiety and other problems that can benefit from in-person professional help.  If you need additional assistance, TALK WITH SOMEONE WHO CAN HELP .  .  .

Julie D. Lapides, Psy. D.                                           303-333-4989
3615 S. Huron Street, Suite 106
Englewood, CO 80110