Unemployment is a frustrating stage in your life that always feels like it won’t end. It is very easy to wallow in pain and anxiety because you are trying so hard to get a job, but even when you feel stuck in this state, it is still important to treat yourself to self-care without feeling guilty for it.
Although you might feel self-conscious and disheartened about having to endure the unemployment period, it is important to remember that you need to take care of yourself and find other things to fill your time besides looking for employment.
The things you do while unemployed could even take you to the next big stage of your life. Here are 6 ways to fill up your time and keep yourself mentally stimulated while unemployed.
1. Get a hobbyÂ
A hobby can go a long way in keeping you happy and stimulated at the same time. Find something you enjoy doing that doesn’t require the use of money. Join a choir, get books at the local library, and start reading or start making short films on your phone.
Start poetry sessions or make music covers to put out. Your hobby could even lead you to your next paycheque if you put yourself out there. The great thing about hobbies is that they grow you as an individual outside of the close supervision of an employer.
2. Start giving back
You don’t have to be rich to start giving back to your community and you absolutely don’t have to wait on anyone to do it first. You can join the local charity organization and help your community to the best of your ability.
You can approach a local school so that you can establish an afterschool tutoring programme. You can even start an aftercare initiative and take care of kids with working parents. You can start a cleaning service and involve other people to keep your community clean.
Do your research on the problems your neighborhood is facing and try to find short-term or long-term solutions. Doing charity work reflects well on your CV and can even give you new skills that will be useful in your career. It will also build your character and make you feel good about yourself.
3. Learn a new skill
Learning new skills could help you bolster your CV. Find someone who doesn’t mind teaching you a new skill and job shadow them for as long as you can.
This can be the local seamstress, the handyman or the music producer in your community. Another way to get new skills is to learn DIY projects on YouTube. These can range from making tables and chairs or making organic products for the hair and body.
Utilize the DSTV channels if you have access to them and start watching cooking shows and Home DIY shows. It doesn’t have to cost you too much to learn these skills, but you can start making money off them.
This can even lead you to a small business that sustains you and makes you financially stable.
4. Helping around the house
If you are living with your relatives, you don’t have to be employed to be useful around the house. If you work hard enough and do your part, your family will appreciate your efforts.
Start your day early like everyone else and help the younger kids get ready for school. Make lunch and breakfast for your family so that they can start their day on a full stomach.
Start gardening projects in the yard and plant vegetables and herbs. In the long run you will be cutting the grocery costs and keeping the yard neat as well.
You can also help the kids with their homework or your parents with work that they take home. If the people you live with can see how hard you are working around the house, they will be more enthusiastic to support you until you find your feet again.
5. Take up exercising
You don’t have to have a gym membership to start getting healthy and in shape. You can utilize what you have at home to work towards your body goals. You have more time to plan your meals in advance and to go jogging.
You can even start doing Zumba or even start a fitness club for your community. The fitness movement can be a good hobby for your body and will keep your mind occupied. Plus, looking your best might give you the confidence you need to feel your best.
6. Change of scenery
You can multitask between scouting for a job and rediscovering your city. Do your research about companies in and around your city that could employ you and also look for beautiful places to visit around these companies.
Carry your CV with you and start marketing yourself to companies that you are interested in working for. Leave your CV with a couple of these companies in hopes that they’ll call.
Don’t end your day there, even after an interview, walk around and go sightseeing. Take pictures of things you see and start talking to new people that could become new friends or that could possibly alert you to other opportunities in the area.
This is a chance for you to connect with people and network until you land in the right spaces.
Taking care of yourself doesn’t have to be expensive or look like you are overindulging in being free during unemployment. Taking care of yourself can mean being active in the lives of people you care about and in your community.
It can even lead to your new job venture or being the next big star if you make the right moves. This can be an opportunity to discover who you are or reinvent yourself.
It can make you a stronger and better version of yourself because life is more than just going to work and worrying about financial stability. It is okay to try to enjoy your life regardless of the fact that you are unemployed.