16.While many Americans hope the new stimulus(刺激) package will provide some relief in the year ahead,many who were recently laid off or are facing layoffs are looking for a more immediate solution,such as a new job.But,according to Josh Klapow,clinical psychologist at the University of Alabama Birmingham School of Public Health,a clear mind is the first step to finding a new job.
"After a job loss,a person's memory and concentration can be weakened.Within the first 24hours of being laid off,the best thing to do is doing nothing,"said Klapow."I encourage people to just cool it."
According to Klapow,many people tend to over-think their situation,which may lead to anxiety,and difficult sleeping and concentrating.Instead of letting your thoughts race,Klapow suggests writing a list of tasks.
"Write down everything you think you may need to do,then make a list,"he said."It gets your thoughts out of your head and onto a piece of paper."
Once your mind is clear,and the list is in front of you,you can start from the top and do one thing at a time,he said.
Not having to prepare for work in the morning may no longer be an excuse to watch the morning hours tick away from under the covers.
Staying in bed allows anxiety and guilt to build up within oneself,he said.Getting a start to the day keeps away the negative thoughts associated with losing a job,and allows you to work on applying of other positions and getting things done.
Getting up early may not seem appealing if there isn't much to do.Taking part in activities or taking on projects that would have previously cut into work hours is a good way to stay positive.
Activities can include exercising,volunteering,or attending career fairs.These can not only improve your emotional well-being,but also help you discover opportunities you may not have found if you stayed at home.
"We have the tendency to think of problems as permanent,but they always get resolved in the end,"said Klapow."The important thing is for a person not to go downhill and stay there."
Laughter is the best medicine,as the saying goes.And although laughter may not bring a nation out of a recession(經濟衰退),it can bring about a positive outlook.According to Klapow,laughing can improve your physiological(生理的) response to losing a job.
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