Unemployment Newsletter 12/09 (c)
Due to the economic downturn the unemployment rate is higher than it has been for years. If you are one of the millions
who is unemployed in this difficult job market, it can be tough to stay motivated and keep your morale high. It's easy to
get stuck in a rut and feel like there's no point in going about your daily life, especially if money is tight. Here are some
easy and inexpensive ways in which to keep your morale up and make sure that you don't give in to your circumstances.
Set yourself goals
It's easy to get disheartened when job hunting, especially if you are applying for lots of jobs and having little success.
Try to set yourself targets for job hunting and making applications, as the more jobs you apply for, the more chance
there is that someone will offer you an interview. Even if you are feeling disheartened about your job search, look at
each day as a new day and try not to let rejection letters impact you too much.
To combat feelings of disappointment and frustration, try setting yourself personal, attainable goals on a daily and
weekly basis. These can be as small as you like, anything from cooking a new recipe or sorting out a cupboard in your
home, to trying to do more exercise or calling a friend you haven't spoken to in a while. Having goals like these will help
to give your days focus and help you feel a sense of achievement.
Keep busy
Keeping busy is a great way to take your mind off your situation and keep your mood elevated. Why not reconnect with
an old hobby or take up a new one? Look online or in your local paper for social groups in your area that share your
hobby – meeting new people is another great way to boost your mood. Even if you just work in the garden, get into a
good book or take an evening class, keeping busy will help you to stay positive.
You could also consider voluntary work. There is a huge range of opportunities available, so you should find something
that you would enjoy. You can meet and help some fantastic people through voluntary work, at the same time as gaining
valuable new skills. Ultimately it can also add experience to your resume, increasing your employability and chances of
finding work.
Spend time with people
There's nothing worse than spending all your time alone if you're already worried about money and your job situation.
Even if you don't have any cash to go out, just having friends or family over for dinner, going out for a coffee, or even a
walk in the park will help boost your morale. Don't forget that your friends and family will be happy for you to share your
worries with them, and may be able to offer you some practical advice and support during this time.
Look after yourself
You may not feel like throwing on your gym kit and running around the park, but studies have shown that cardiovascular
exercise releases mood-boosting endorphins in the brain. Try and motivate yourself to do some exercise at least three
times a week. Exercise doesn't have to be expensive either. Once you have your kit, running outside is completely free.
Get your bike out of the shed or take yourself down to the local swimming pool and take advantage of off-peak rates.
You should also ensure that you eat healthily. When you're feeling down, it's very tempting to try and make yourself feel
better by eating junk and comfort food full of fats, salt and sugar. This is extremely counter-productive, and will have a
negative effect on your mood. Make sure that you eat a balanced diet during this time, with plenty of fruit, vegetables
and lean meat.
The most important key to staying positive when unemployed is not to let your circumstances take over your life. You
need to think of the situation as temporary, and look for the light at the end of the tunnel. Everyone has bad days, but
implementing some of the above advice should help to keep your mood up and focused towards getting that job.
Due to the economic downturn the unemployment rate is higher than it has been for years. If you are one of the millions
who is unemployed in this difficult job market, it can be tough to stay motivated and keep your morale high. It's easy to
get stuck in a rut and feel like there's no point in going about your daily life, especially if money is tight. Here are some
easy and inexpensive ways in which to keep your morale up and make sure that you don't give in to your circumstances.
Set yourself goals
It's easy to get disheartened when job hunting, especially if you are applying for lots of jobs and having little success.
Try to set yourself targets for job hunting and making applications, as the more jobs you apply for, the more chance
there is that someone will offer you an interview. Even if you are feeling disheartened about your job search, look at
each day as a new day and try not to let rejection letters impact you too much.
To combat feelings of disappointment and frustration, try setting yourself personal, attainable goals on a daily and
weekly basis. These can be as small as you like, anything from cooking a new recipe or sorting out a cupboard in your
home, to trying to do more exercise or calling a friend you haven't spoken to in a while. Having goals like these will help
to give your days focus and help you feel a sense of achievement.
Keep busy
Keeping busy is a great way to take your mind off your situation and keep your mood elevated. Why not reconnect with
an old hobby or take up a new one? Look online or in your local paper for social groups in your area that share your
hobby – meeting new people is another great way to boost your mood. Even if you just work in the garden, get into a
good book or take an evening class, keeping busy will help you to stay positive.
You could also consider voluntary work. There is a huge range of opportunities available, so you should find something
that you would enjoy. You can meet and help some fantastic people through voluntary work, at the same time as gaining
valuable new skills. Ultimately it can also add experience to your resume, increasing your employability and chances of
finding work.
Spend time with people
There's nothing worse than spending all your time alone if you're already worried about money and your job situation.
Even if you don't have any cash to go out, just having friends or family over for dinner, going out for a coffee, or even a
walk in the park will help boost your morale. Don't forget that your friends and family will be happy for you to share your
worries with them, and may be able to offer you some practical advice and support during this time.
Look after yourself
You may not feel like throwing on your gym kit and running around the park, but studies have shown that cardiovascular
exercise releases mood-boosting endorphins in the brain. Try and motivate yourself to do some exercise at least three
times a week. Exercise doesn't have to be expensive either. Once you have your kit, running outside is completely free.
Get your bike out of the shed or take yourself down to the local swimming pool and take advantage of off-peak rates.
You should also ensure that you eat healthily. When you're feeling down, it's very tempting to try and make yourself feel
better by eating junk and comfort food full of fats, salt and sugar. This is extremely counter-productive, and will have a
negative effect on your mood. Make sure that you eat a balanced diet during this time, with plenty of fruit, vegetables
and lean meat.
The most important key to staying positive when unemployed is not to let your circumstances take over your life. You
need to think of the situation as temporary, and look for the light at the end of the tunnel. Everyone has bad days, but
implementing some of the above advice should help to keep your mood up and focused towards getting that job.
