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Losing a job is stressful. Like many people in our area, I am a displaced federal employee. I worked as a scientist in the federal government for the past 20 years and was laid off last year. Needless to say, it is devastating.

As I look for a job now, I realize how difficult and frustrating it is, as a person in my mid-50s, to find employment in this terrible job market.

Here’s what works for me to reduce stress during my job search. I hope that it will help others in a similar situation.

First, tell yourself it’s okay to feel frustration — and even a tinge of envy for those who still have jobs. Just don’t wallow in it. Acknowledge that we live in unprecedented times.

Accept help from young adults

The last time I had to look for a job, back in 2022, I asked for help from the younger generation. My college-age son helped me polish my resume and gave me tips to prepare for interviews.

This time around, my younger son is helping me troubleshoot technical issues in the job application process.

Ask for help from your young adult children, nephews, nieces, grandchildren or even neighbors. Most likely they are tech-savvy and miles ahead of us in speed when it comes to tech-related matters.

Connect with fellow job seekers

Some of us are not that into networking. I get it. If you have been at the same job for several years, you may not have grown your network. Just try to connect with others at your own pace and do whatever is comfortable for you. In middle age, we measure connections by quality, not quantity.

Reach out to others in your field to ask about available positions. Use LinkedIn to connect with others.

Career fairs are good for networking and connections, as well as picking up goodies.

Volunteer your time

If you were a federal employee, you value public service. You can still give back to society. I volunteered at a career fair, and I enjoyed the experience of meeting people.

Instead of staying at home, get out there and help. Who knows? Maybe the person next to you at the food pantry will lead you to your next job.

Apply for benefits

I filed for unemployment benefits, and I was happy to see my first check arrive. Though it isn’t much, it is still good to get something in the form of a check.

If you are over age 60 (or over 62 in Maryland), you may be eligible for discounted groceries. Apply for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by contacting your local Department of Aging.

Take a break from applying

Try to take a break from applying for jobs. Designate specific times or days to search for positions and apply for them.

Even if you search and apply for jobs nonstop, 24/7, it doesn’t mean that you will get a job the next day. We may be unemployed, but we have other things to do, and our time is valuable.

Pursue your hobbies

Remember that hobby you shelved for lack of time while raising children or working 40 or more hours per week? Now is the perfect time to get back to it.

Take a class, exercise, learn a language, join a book club or writing group — anything to get your mind off being unemployed. There are many YouTube videos that can teach you anything you want to do.

Recently, I took a pottery workshop and enjoyed creating something with my hands. It opened up avenues for my creativity and made me feel productive.

Be mindful

Prioritize your health, both mental and physical. Jobs may come and go, but health is the foundation of life and our happiness.

We will bounce back, stronger and better.

Jayashree Sitaraman, Ph.D., is a scientist and writer living in Silver Spring, Maryland.