Financial stress from losing a job affects us emotionally, physically and mentally. Yet many successful people say that the pivotal point in their career—the moment that led to their greatest success—was the moment they faced their biggest crisis.

JK Rowling was penniless and on welfare when she famously shopped her Harry Potter manuscripts to 12 publishers only to be rejected 12 times. Oprah Winfrey was fired from a news channel early in her career for “being unfit for TV.”

In both cases, these women doubled down on their goals and found greater opportunities ahead.

Here are some tips for not only finding your dream job—but staying calm and cool along the way.

  1. Get clear on your goals. Make a list of your skills and interests—and a list of jobs that match them. Is there a job that you always wanted but felt it was a reach? Or is there a business idea or book hiding inside you? According to Alex Charfen, author of Entrepreneurial Personality Type, many people start businesses after they lose their jobs because that’s when they finally have the freedom to pursue their goals.
  2. Get social. When we’re down, it’s easy to shut the door to friends. Yet those friends might be the key to your next job—contacts matter. Put your job search on social media, let your friends know what you’re looking for.
  3. Get healthy. Eat your meals, get your exercise. Now is a good time to focus on cooking healthy meals at home—plus you can save money that way. Hit the gym or create your home exercise routine with YouTube as your guide.
  4. Get rested. You’ll need a good night’s sleep to stay sharp for interviews and keep your mood buoyant. You can add another layer of deep rest by practising the Transcendental Meditation technique. It’s a proven stress-buster among self-help techniques, and it also helps to banish anxiety, depression and brain fog.

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