Feeling Overwhelmed...

Are days turning into weeks and then months? Do you feel like you just can't handle the stress of being out of work any longer? Rest assured, many others feel the same way as you do.

Here's a suggestion to better handle the overwhelming load of stress. Sit down and make 2 lists.

On the first list write down everything that you simply have no control over. These are the things you keep worrying about but simply have no control over. Examples: losing your last job, who will or will not hire you.

On the second list write down everything that is within your control to do. Examples: searching for a new and better job or a job just to pay the bills, getting any free help available to you.

Make these lists as long as you can. Keep writing. There are no right or wrong answers. Now, take a deep breath and take yourself a break from all this writing. Now come back to your lists you just made.

# 1: Look at the first list of problems outside of your control and decide that no matter how much you worry over these things, you simply have no power to change them. Decide that for now you will simply have to let these things go till some other time or day.

#2: Look at your second list of all problems you have some control over. Pick the top 2 to 3 problems facing you today off that list. Make a decision that just for today you will put all of your energy and focus into working on these 2 to 3 problems and let the rest of them go till tomorrow or the next day.

Now, tomorrow morning get up and pick some time to look over the list you can't control, worry for 5 or 10 minutes, then put it away. Pick up your list of all those problems you can control and pick the top 2 or 3 problems facing you that day on list. Now do this EVERY DAY. Let tomorrow take care of itself. Just focus on working today's problems and see if you don't feel just a little less overwhelmed.