In the current economy, almost everyone - even the most seasoned professionals - is getting them: the job jitters. It's understandable given that over 60,000 people were laid off in just one day in January 2009.

If you are feeling a bit off, then you may have a full-blown case of job jitters, or fear of getting laid off. Below some symptoms are described, as well as positive ways to cope with this anxiety.

Fear of getting laid off - the symptoms

• Increasing preoccupation and worry about whether you will lose your job or not.
• Lack of sleep. Tossing and turning, with racing thoughts about your job.
• Irritability when at work. Noticeable increase in frustration with your peers.
• Fear of opening work emails, based on concerns over the next piece of bad news.
• Sense of paranoia when colleagues are going into closed-door meetings.
• Reading more into almost every sign that something is going wrong.
• Thoughts of doom, and jumping into worst-case scenarios.
• Fear of financial insecurity.
• Feelings of hopelessness and loss of control.
• Increase in drinking, eating or smoking.
• Inability to focus on tasks when at work.
• Overall sense of dread.
• Lack of energy.
• Desire to sleep more than normal.
• Strong desire to be noticed at work. Urge to engage with management above you so they notice you.
• Lack of self-confidence.
• Negative thinking. 

While these symptoms are not all-inclusive, there are enough listed to give you a general sense as to whether you are suffering from anxiety about getting laid off. 

How to cope with job jitters

The key to coping with anxiety about whether your job is secure or not is to engage in positive actions and calming methods. While it may be tempting to dive into the bottle, try to avoid this urge! Below are some more better ways to cope.

• Pray and meditate. If you do not already have time devoted to this in your morning schedule, set your alarm clock 30 minutes earlier than normal. Get up, brush your teeth, splash water on your face and get some coffee. Then devote at least 25 minutes to reading the Bible or a daily devotional and praying. Pray for strength to do the right thing and for the ability to trust God throughout the day. Be sincere in your prayers. Remember to pray for others as well.

• Exercise. Get in at least 30 minutes of exercise five times a day. Now more than ever is the time to stick to your exercise routine, as this is one of the best stress relievers.
• Take vitamins and eat right. Anxiety will drain you, and it can lower your immune system. Fight that off by taking daily vitamins and by focusing on eating healthy foods. Look online for foods that boost your moods, such as broccoli. Be careful not to eat much sugar. 

• When at work, focus on your tasks and stay busy. Try as much as you can to avoid the gossip that is circulating. It is code orange, and do not worsen matters by getting sucked into chatter with paranoid people. And you are more than likely surrounded by paranoid colleagues, given the current economy.
• Remember to laugh. Laughter is key during hard times. If you cannot laugh at yourself, find something funny to read or watch a feel-good comedy like "Wedding Crashers." 

• Take sleeping aids like Tylenol PM to help you sleep. While you may not want to make a habit of taking pills that can help you sleep, do not hesitate to take them at this time. As your daily stress is higher, you need to get some quality rest so your mind can refresh itself.
• Do not vent too much to family or colleagues. While getting things off your chest can be therapeutic, limit the amount of time you vent. The reason being is that the more you vent about something, the larger it becomes. 

• Cut back on your spending. Add extra money to your financial cushion. You will have more peace of mind if you have something to fall back on in the event you do lose your job.
• Set up needed medical appointments. If it is time to get your teeth cleaned, then go ahead and do it. If you have other routine medical needs, such as your annual physical, approaching, move the appointments up a bit if you can. 

• Do not take your anger or fear out on others. This is a far-too-common mistake, and it is not the right thing to do. The better you feel each day about your own behaviors and actions, the better you can manage anxiety about losing your job.
• Accept that the worst could happen, and remind yourself that you can handle it. Getting laid off at this time would be tough. But it will not take away your skills, talents or knowledge. 

• Give to the less fortunate. Remind yourself that others are in more need than you. Push yourself to volunteer and to give financially to charities or your church. Even though you may need to make some sacrifices during this tough economy, there are others who are in far worse shape. 
• Remember to be thankful for what you do have, such as your health, loving family members and the ability and drive to survive. 

In conclusion, it's natural during a recession to feel increased anxiety and loss of control. Your best bet is to face your anxieties, take positive coping actions and remember what you do have.

The Serenity Prayer so beautifully captures it in a nutshell:

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.