Mergers are a way of life, and the end of the trend is nowhere in sight. Adopt the right mindset while experiencing a merger, and you'll save yourself a lot of pain. Here are some worthwhile tips for managing merger blues.

1. Keep things in perspective.
Having your worklife turned topsy-turvy by a merger or acquisition is difficult, but it's not the end of the world. Remember when you were five, and you didn't get that red wagon you desperately wanted for Christmas? Chances are good that you've learned to deal with it, and it no longer consumes you (if not, you might consider therapy).

2. Stop fighting change.
Change can be stimulating and rewarding. Instability is no big deal to optimists -- they try to identify the benefit (or lesson, or gift) in every situation. However, those who see the glass as half-empty are bound to be bothered by a fuzzy work role or blurry future. If you're in company that's merging, you need to learn to go with the flow and ...

3. Choose your focus.
Focus on things you can control, such as the quality of your work, your attitude and whether you choose to continue working for the merging company or start a search for new opportunities.

4. Keep in mind that you have at least one choice -- finding other employment.
You always have choices. At any time, you can leave the company for a better opportunity, including temp work if your dream job isn't readily apparent. Risking your health and well-being to cope with a bad work situation simply isn't worth it. If leaving the company isn't an option for you (at least at the moment), list the short-term positives of your situation and ways you can begin to develop other options.

5. Make use of the free counseling services and stress workshops.
Many companies provide free counseling for individuals during merger situations. If your company does, make use of it to figure out how to cope with your situation. If this isn't an option, many hospitals and community centers provide free stress workshops. Public libraries or the internet are other sources of useful information on how to manage stress.

6. Exercise, meditate, find quiet time for yourself.
Find time to unwind in a manner that pleases and calms you. Buy yourself flowers or schedule a massage. Set aside quiet time and refuse to let bad thoughts intrude. Have trouble quieting down and going solo? A first good step is to track down the February 1998 issue of Psychology Today, which features a great article on the benefits of solitude.

7. Surround yourself with the color violet.
Researchers have learned that the color violet is the most restful color. It causes a decrease in blood pressure, and is soothing on the eye (and mind).

For additional stress-management tips