By Cathy Goodwin
Reprinted: 2003-10-31

Q: "How do I cope with the stress of job-hunting?"

A. First, if you're too stressed to eat, sleep or function effectively, stop reading at once and find a professional therapist. Otherwise, here are some ways to revise your stressed-out life.

(1) Identify the source of your stress. Fear of losing your home? Frustration with a series of rejections? Identity loss? Exhaustion? Now you have a target to attack directly.

(2) Stress means that you're faced with a demand that stretches your coping resources. You may be able to change demands: find a way to give yourself more time and more options. Or you may be able to add resources: support, networks, new source of income.

(3) Keep a diary of energy drains and energy boosts. Soon you'll be able to identify people, places and activities to avoid -- and those to incorporate in your daily routines.

(4) Make time for exercise and meditation every day -- but don't beat yourself up if you skip a session. This anti-stress recipe is as foolproof as any I've seen.

(5) Stress is not always bad. In the right amounts, stress can motivate you to do your best in a tough situation. I know people who lost jobs because they were too relaxed at their interviews!

Bonus tip: Research shows that spending time with an animal reduces stress -- even more than visiting other people! Stroking a cat and walking a dog allow you to combine exercise and meditation at the same time.

No dog of your own? Offer to walk a neighbor's dog or help out at the animal shelter.

Allergic? Some people actually respond to stuffed animals -- especially if they like the real thing.

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