11 Ways To Maintain Your Sanity When ‘Funemployment’ Just Becomes ‘Unemployment’

We’ve all been there, we’ve all held that dreaded title at one point or another: unemployed. Being home all day can really take a toll on your emotional well-being. You feel bored, you feel like you’re not contributing to society, and you desperately want to do more with your day than binge watch Netflix. Here’s a list of things to do that will make you feel like you are doing something worthwhile with your day, in between applying endlessly for jobs.

1. Set an alarm, seriously!

It can be mighty tempting to lay in bed all day because you have nothing to get up for, but I promise you laying in bed until the early afternoon takes a toll on you. Try to set a time that you must be up by every day, and try to stick to it the best you can.

2. Go to sleep at an appropriate time.

Just because you don’t have anything to do the next day, doesn’t mean you should stay awake all hours of the night. Chances are you’re just aimlessly scrolling through Facebook anyway. Get some sleep, so you’re rested and able to get more done during the day.

3. Make a to-do list.

Applying for jobs all day, everyday can get quite draining, so make sure to throw in some activities in-between. You can plan to really deep-clean one area of your home, finally go through your closet, or run that errand that you’ve always been meaning to get around to. Those little checks on your list will help you feel like you’ve accomplished something.

4. Delete social media. JUST FOR NOW.

If you’re like me, whenever you’re bored you just scroll through Instagram or Facebook with no purpose. Hell, the other day I literally wasted two hours on Instagram creeping pages of people I don’t even know. Do not let this be you. If you delete it, it won’t be there to tempt you and you can do something – anything – else. When you’re employed and don’t have time to waste, you can re-download the apps… or not.

5. DIY.

Remember all of those posts you’ve pinned of those cool ideas? Or those pages you’ve bookmarked that have interesting recipes? Now’s the time to try it. When again will you have the chance to make that lasagna or transform that old t-shirt into a cute crop top?

6. Exercise.

Being active everyday helps get the juices flowing, gets the adrenaline pumping, and may just save you from that bed sore that’s creeping up on you. You don’t have to do anything drastic – maybe go for a walk or follow a yoga YouTube channel. Just do something active. Your body and your mind will thank you.

7. Thrift shop.

Chances are without that cash train coming in, you’re pretty strapped in the funds department. But if you’re really feeling the shopping itch and are dying to get out of the house, thrift shops will become your best friends. What other place can you get two books, a cool t-shirt, a vase (for DIY-ing, obvs) and a retro necklace for ten bucks? Nowhere my friends, nowhere.

8. Travel.

If you do have the funds, I urge you to travel. Never again will you have this freedom where you can just take off with no responsibilities and no one to report to. Even if you just go for a week to the next town over – do it. Just leave, clear your mind, and enjoy life. Stop to smell the roses, take in everything the world has to offer you. Seriously, cliches aside, you have your whole life to work. Enjoy this time while it lasts and travel before life gets in the way.

9. Volunteer.

Add to your resume, even when you’re not adding to your bank account. Every experience counts, and you’ll be making a difference in the world instead of sitting around your house. Plus you might make some new friends and have some great experiences too.

10. Visit your grandparents.

Most likely your grandparents are retired and just chilling at home too, so why not do so together? You guys can all just hang out, and I promise you it will make their day to have you visit, even if it’s for a couple of hours. You’ll gain from the experience too; old folks have some pretty crazy stories and you’ll def get a delicious home-cooked meal.

11. Pick up a new hobby.

Now is the time to try new things – you ever know what skills you have or what activities you might enjoy until you actually try them. So pick up a paint brush, shoot some hoops, or start penning your first novel.