In March 2020 the United States started to go into lockdown as a response to the Covid-19 virus. As we started to stay home and quarantine, the economy started to collapse.
In April, a record number of 10 million people filed for unemployment within 2 weeks.
Almost overnight, people who had solid jobs in the travel, restaurant and brick and mortar retail businesses have found themselves out of work for the unseen future. As the economy takes a downturn other businesses are finding themselves having to quickly cut costs and let people go.
A layoff can bring up many emotions such as fear, anxiety, anger, and depression. If you’ve been laid off during this unprecedented time, we want to help soften your landing, so you can process what has happened and start to figure out your next steps.
Get Your Bearings After Being Laid Off
For so many, the layoff was sudden and catching them totally unprepared—in other words, it’s been a true shock to their system.
The shock of what’s happening in the world coupled with a layoff will set off your fight or flight. When things first happen we can easily let panic set in—and then we try to take action from that place.
Take some time to start to feel your emotions, be kind to yourself, and ask yourself some questions so you can understand what is really going on for you.
Learn the Practice of Release
Yes, much easier said than done but after you’ve done the hard word of feeling the emotion, you need to release it so that it doesn’t keep you stuck in place and drive you in insanity.
You can release by exercising, journaling, doing something creative, going for a walk, doing EFT (emotional freedom technique), doing a guided mediation with an app like Calm or Headspace, taking a hot bath, reading, or watching a movie, talking with close friends, coloring.
Take Care Of Yourself And Your Emotions During This Time
While fight or flight helps you cope immediately, it is not designed to keep you going for weeks at a time. However, so many of us are living in fight or flight indefinitely.
After giving yourself a day or two to feel what you need to feel and process it, it’s time to get yourself into more of a routine.
RESOURCES
Episode 15 8% and rename emotions
NPR: Record 10 Million File for Unemployment in Past Two Weeks
Just Gen X—The Resting Mind Facebook Group
The Brand of You Creative Brief
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