Uncertain economic times can cause frustration, anger, and depression, especially if you have recently lost your job. If you find yourself in this situation, try some of the suggestions below to “ride this out.”

1) Don’t take it personally.  Unfortunately, most of us will at one time or another lose a job. It can be a time to reassess career goals, take a breather (if finances allow), or catch up with family and friends.

2) Take time (a few days, a few weeks) to let the reality of what has happened sink in. You will probably experience a range of emotions (depression, anger, frustration). Realize that these are normal. However, don’t allow a negative state of mind to take hold. Remember, this is temporary.

3) After you have allowed yourself a reasonable amount of time to deal with your emotions, start to take positive steps to re-enter the job market:  polish your resume, update your skills, start networking.

4) Maintain a positive attitude. This does not mean walking around with a smile on your face all the time. What it does mean is that you have a sense of perspective (a sense of humor if you will) about what is happening. Life is cyclical. There are ups and downs in almost every facet of life. Take the attitude of “this too shall pass.”

5) Realize that everything happens for a reason. Although it may seem like the worst thing that could possibly happen at the time, a “bad” thing could turn out to be the best thing that ever happened to you. Life is what YOU make it. How you handle adversity speaks volumes about your character.

6) Count your blessings. After everything that has happened over the last few years (The World Trade Center Bombings; the continuing crisis in the middle east; the war in Iraq; starvation and AIDS in Africa, etc.), be grateful for clean water, a free country in which you can speak your mind, good health, good friends, a roof over your head (even if you are behind in rent), etc.. In the global spectrum of things, the fact that you lost your job is but a blip compared to the human suffering in the world.

7) Finally, take good care of yourself. Continue to exercise (or start if you haven’t had the chance), eat right, meditate. These things are vital to good health. It is critical at this time to nourish your mind and body with good, healthy, positive food and thoughts. You’ll be “on the go” again before you know it. So keep your mind and body prepared.