Keeping Your Spirits Up While Unemployed

Being unemployed can be very stressful. It can also cause many people to feel depressed, even if they are not typically the type of people prone to this emotion. There are some things you can do to help yourself feel better if you are unemployed and feeling a little down.

Have contact with people every day
Unemployment can be isolating. There can be days when you do not have a job interview or another type of an appointment. You can wind up spending the entire day by yourself. This can make you feel very isolated, because the typical employed person is used to working in an office environment interacting with people. As an unemployed person it can be very helpful to create social interaction wherever you can. Go to the gym or out for a walk into town. Call a friend or family member for a chat. Do something that ensures that you will not spend the entire day by yourself.

Expose your mind to new things
Learning new things will boost your confidence and may help your job hunt. If you don't have a library card, then sign up for one - they are free or low cost in most communities. Consider taking a class or two at a local state or community college, or even high school sponsored continuing education. You could learn some new computer skills or develop a new hobby. You will also meet some new people, who just might know about job openings. You never know who will know someone!

Listen to and view inspiring things
If you are feeling down - then being exposed to media that make you feel even worse isn't going to be helpful. This is a great time to watch comedy or romantic movies. Many have said for a long time that laughter is the best medicine. Or watch nature specials, these can be very soothing. Read books that inspire you, such as Chicken Soup for the Soup - they have an entire series of books of inspirational stories of real people's experiences. Many of which have been through pretty tough times and they've had things turn around for them.

Consider volunteer work
Helping others can actually make you feel better. It can lift your spirits and give your self-esteem a well-needed boost. There are so many types of volunteer projects to select from, that there is sure to be something that will appeal to your personality and your skills. Consider volunteering with your local schools, hospital, YMCA, museum or children's center. Think of causes that concern you and there is sure to be an organization that addresses this need.

Reach out for resources
Some people have trouble asking for help, they feel dissapointed that they are in a position to need help and other times they just don't know where to turn. Know whatever your problem is, there is certainly someone who can help you solve it. If you are feeling depressed, you may need professional help. A great person to speak to is your doctor for a referral to someone. Look for a support group for job hunters in your community. If you are feeling frustated with your job hunt, then a visit to a career counselor may be in order. Your college or high school will probably have free help available to you, consider looking into this first. The Department of Labor has career counselors that are available at no charge, they can help go over your resume and talk about your concerns. Call your local office for an appointment.