How to Stay Happy While You’re Unemployed During COVID-19!
By: Harry Dhaliwal
Tags: Mental Health, Unemployed, Self Help, Personal Development, Covid 19

“Because of your smile, you make life more beautiful.”- Thich Nhat Hanh.

Life is quite an intriguing realm that we’re always living through, yet we can’t fathom its complications. For example, a beehive -its output yields numerous benefits, yet we still can’t comprehend how honeybees put together a nest full of divinity.

The common perception of honeybees is they too have a life purpose similar to us. We’ll never know the workings of our nature, and like the late legendary singer Frank Sinatra famously said, “That’s life.” While honeybees work to serve their life’s purpose, similarly, we aim to do the same — mainly while we’re employed.

We feel accomplished and develop a sense of self-worth when we do the work we love. Unfortunately, this COVID-19 pandemic has left millions of Americans unemployed, stripping them of their usual channel to gain happiness and self-worth. Being employed is vital as it serves as an assurance of stability and fuels us to strive to fulfill our life’s purpose. I’ll admit that being unemployed sucks, but there are many ways to stay happy! Positive perception is what is going to get you through the sorrows of unemployment! Trust me, fulfilling the desire to live a happy life through whichever means necessary ultimately negates the monticules we encounter along our life’s journey! :)

One common statement I heard throughout my life is, “life is dynamic; it brings you sorrow along with an abundance of triumphant moments.” Mainly, the goal of achieving happiness is the fuel to get through life’s many presented obstacles. When you’re employed, you have the means to maintain a sense of safety and security — on the other hand, being unemployed shakes you because of the perceived loss of security. Trust me, while you’re unemployed, you’re still OK! You need to remain cool, calm, and collected!

Your perception of life’s moments heavily weighs the outcome of your satisfaction. For example, I’m a big believer in the Latin phrase “Carpe Diem.” I live by it religiously, and I choose to see life matters from a half glass full perspective. I believe that having a half-glass full view of life results in more happiness.

You’ll start to weigh out the pros, which will help you develop a positive paradigm. For example, I lost my job due to the COVID-19 pandemic; it set my life back by miles, stripped my happiness, and led my mental health to deteriorate. However, I found ways throughout my unemployment phase to cope. I created a pathway that has led me to believe in myself, and as a result, I’m happier. Instead, I choose to see things from a positive angle, which helps formulate my decisions that end in an optimistic outlook. I’ll admit that there are still kinks in my life — but I am more confident than before — and I want you to find your realm of happiness! :)

Life is too short, so don’t drown yourself in misery. Everything will turn out great in the end. :)

Where to begin?

The COVID-19 pandemic deserves an entire yearly addition to the Guinness Book of World Records. It’s an invisible beast that has crawled its way into our lives, leaving us haunted by its harmful effects.

For starters, it robbed the joy of millions of Americans:

It has swiftly killed people in abundance It caused layoffs across the nation Robbed the enriched learning environment for kids Compelled people to rethink how to celebrate their successes Pushed people away from one another because of its contagiousness

Like how President Trump commonly describes unprecedented matters, “I haven’t seen anything like this.”

I strongly dislike this Twilight Zone era we are currently living in, as it has caused me to be unemployed now for almost eight months, halting my life goals and being detrimental to my happiness. However, I’m grateful for finding ways on how to get through it and maintaining a sense of stability.

Here’s how you can stay happy while you’re unemployed during this pandemic:

Having a positive perception Taking care of your mental health Taking care of your physical health Pursuing hobbies Social interaction Growing yourself Being grateful Working temporarily

1. Positive Perception- I know it’s hard to be happy when you’re unemployed. However, there are numerous ways to turn that frown upside down and into a smile! The key is to acknowledge your situation and switch up your perception. Remember, a period of unemployment is only temporary. Negativity gravitates towards negativity. Likewise, positivity gravitates towards positivity. Therefore, one solution is to see things positively. For example, consider seeing your situation from a glass-half-full perspective.

One pro while being unemployed is that you have more time on your hands to do things you love. The utilization of this time is excellent for your mental well-being. For example, when you spend more time with your family, friends, pursuing new hobbies, reading, or finding ways to enrich yourself. Having this extra time allows for us to hit the refresh button and helps steer away from any downtrodden moments. When you have a positive perception during a negative period, it opens up doors to stay busy. Sure, not earning money or not doing what you love is undeniably a bummer.

Furthermore, embracing the temporary situation by opening yourself to new avenues is tremendous for your mental health!

2. Mental Health Wellness- As you can tell from my point above, I emphasize mental health wellness! Maintaining your mental well-being is crucial, especially when you’re unemployed! Some great ways to keep your mental well-being is by checking in with yourself, journaling, meditating, staying proactive, getting adequate amounts of sleep, staying social, and indulging in hobbies! These all account for keeping your mental health inline.

A particular benefit of being unemployed is that you have time to work on your mental health! For example, one thing essential to do continuously is to check-in with yourself throughout your unemployed period. One great way of checking-in is to journal, which allows you to track your progress. I journal regularly, and it keeps me focused and happy!

Whenever I feel down, I flock to my journal because it helps me stay intact with my positive emotions. By journaling, you can set goals such as finding a job and can list your progress. Whenever you feel down, take a look at your progress or write about it because it will uplift your spirit. The tracking of your progression serves as reassurance that you are getting closer to your goal. Remember, like when we’re employed, we have goals and tasks to keep track of; the same goes for when we’re unemployed. When you’re unemployed, the end goal is to find a job or start a business. Every step is a sign of progression! By staying proactive, you accomplish small victories, which essentially keep you and your mind happy and sharp!

3. Physical Health Wellness- Similar to what I mentioned above, taking care of your physical health is just as fundamental as taking care of your mental health. We have one life to live, so why not live a sexy and comfortable experience. Remember, life is too short! #carpediem.

If you already have a workout routine, then kudos to you! For those who don’t have a workout routine, I highly recommend incorporating a workout routine as it significantly uplifts your mood. I remember before the COVID-19 pandemic, I was twenty-lbs overweight.

On April 1st, 2020, I checked my weight, and I weighed 201 lbs! I was flabbergasted, and I felt disgusted and awful about my weight. I knew I had to do something. I started working out four days a week, one to two hours a day.

My workout routine:

Monday-Chest and triceps followed by half an hour of biking

Tuesday-Back and biceps followed by half an hour of biking

Wednesday-rest or bike

Thursday-Leg day followed by half an hour of biking

Friday-Abs day followed by half an hour of biking

Since April 1st, 2020, I’ve lost over twenty-two lbs. It’s an incredible feeling, I tell ya! I feel 10x happier than before! I’ve more energy now, and I feel much more optimistic! A significant benefit of working out is that it serves as fuel to remain positive, happy, and fit.

For instance, when you finish working out, it’s not only mentally satisfying but also serves as a personal accomplishment. Notably, personal victories such as working out while you’re unemployed are vital because they help boost your self-worth. The upside of being unemployed is that there are many workout options; moreover, you shouldn’t have any excuse for not building a workout routine!

Unemployment sucks, and feeling downtrodden as a result, isn’t sexy!

Don’t forget, working out leads to more happiness, builds self-confidence, and feeling sexier!

4. Pursuing Hobbies- Hobbies, Hobbies, Hobbies! The three H’s of fun! I strongly urge pursuing your hobbies to keep you focused and happy! Immersing yourself in hobbies locks you into a bubble that not only challenges you but also keeps you entertained, yielding a vast amount of happiness!

I love photography and traveling! I get lost pursuing them because they challenge me, help me grow, and ultimately make me happy. If you have hobbies, then keep following them! I suggest finding hobbies if you don’t have any yet. Indulging in your hobbies is essential because they lead to feeling accomplished and productive, making you feel good about yourself! You can have fun while you’re unemployed! Don’t let society’s opposing viewpoints bog you down! You have other talents so continue to excel at them in the meantime! Heck, hobbies can turn into full-time opportunities! My fellow readers, our world is your oyster! :)

5. Social Interaction-It’s the holiday season, time to party! Wait — not so fast! COVID-19 is notorious for forcing us into our shells. However, that doesn’t mean we can’t socialize! As human beings, we love to mingle like we’re single so we can’t stay contained for an extended time! Staying indoors for so long is only going to cause us to explode like the corn kernels that turn into popcorn! I understand the number of COVID-19 cases has risen worldwide — more significantly in America. Socializing is nutritious for our souls! Nonetheless, I’m an advocate for maintaining socialization while adhering to cautious practices.

It has become difficult to see loved ones, friends, and significant others in person, especially during the holiday season. However, don’t stop socializing. When you do associate in-person, be mindful and practice social distancing and wear a mask! We’re all in this mess together, so let’s all help contain this invisible monster!

COVID-19 has caused many people across the globe to feel lonelier than they have before — mainly unemployed people. I know meeting in-person is the preferred way of communicating, but there are myriad ways of communicating! Don’t keep yourself feeling isolated!

While we’re unemployed, it’s crucial to stay in touch with your loved ones and friends. Negative thoughts can creep up faster than the speed of light, and having a supportive group can help you dodge those malicious bullets — matrix style.

I recommend the following ways of communicating:

Meeting in-person — practice social distancing Video calling — there’s an abundance of options Calling Chatting on social media Texting

You’re not alone — so utilize your social sphere! The key is to remain happy throughout your unemployed period, despite the hardship. Most importantly, social interaction can help ease your pain. FYI surround yourself with positive people!

6. Growing Yourself-One interesting aspect about genetics is that we are bound to blossom up to a predetermined mark. Unfortunately, we can’t grow taller once we’ve reached our peak height — but we can grow ourselves in other dimensions: mentally, physically, and emotionally. We have one life to live, so why not enhance ourselves? When we grow ourselves, we’re happier!

While I’ve been unemployed, I‘ve relentlessly improved myself in multiple realms. I’ve focused on: strengthening my mental health, getting in physical shape, enhancing various skills (digital marketing, writing, graphic design, and photo editing), spending more time with my family, significant other, and friends. Heck, I started writing on Medium this year and never looked back. I’m taking the time I have to create a better version of myself. I’ve been happier in my life despite not having a job, which I am determined to get soon! So will you! :)

For my mental health, I’ve been meditating, journaling, getting a good night’s rest, staying busy, and practicing being mindful.

For my physical health, I’ve been working out at least four days a week up to two hours. I feel accomplished when I work out. Plus, I’ve lost twenty-two lbs, which is a huge mental boost. I’m continuing to workout so that I can maintain my sexiness ;).

For my digital marketing skills, I’ve been creating content, writing more, making videos, crafting my graphic design, and enhancing my photo editing skills. I feel much better knowing I’m improving myself day by day. I’ve built my expertise by continually working on different avenues; this also makes me feel much more confident when interviewing. Plus, here I’m writing on Medium!

I spend a significant amount of time with my family since I’m back home, haha. I’ll admit being with my family throughout this temporary downtown has been a blessing. At times, there are stressful moments when my parents ask me how the job hunt is going, or I get bummed out when I encounter my family working. I combat these negative feelings by keeping myself busy and working on myself.

I suppose you can try to be with your family or give them a visit! Once again — you’re not alone!

Plus, having a stable significant other is tremendous for staying happy! I can’t stress any further how grateful I’m for my amazing girlfriend, Manleen! :)

Suppose you have a significant other, then great! If not, possibly start dating and swarm like a bee! If you’re not yet comfortable, that’s understandable too! The point is to be happy and to get through your unemployed period happy!

Since I’ve been back home, I’ve spent a lot of time with my friends. It got lonely while I was living in the Bay Area, so catching up has been great! I advise giving your friends a visit or suggest they come to visit. Friends are like extended family, and their support matters a lot! The joy of friendship is priceless! Plus, in today’s era, opening up about emotional matters is de-stigmatized, so don’t be afraid to share what’s going on with your friends! Make sure to stay in frequent contact in case you’re away from them! You can also hop on Meetup.com and find groups based on your interests. Always stay curious about meeting new people!

7. Being Grateful-I know being unemployed is not easy, and it carries a gloomy ambiance. However, trust me when I say this practice — being grateful for the things you have every morning. When you state the things you’re thankful for, you will feel much happier! List things you think of right away and gradually add to your list. I do this every morning and whenever I’m feeling down. The blessings you have in your life are the tools you have to help you get through this downturn. Blessings can be such as: having a roof over your head, your skills, being close to your family, friends, living with a significant other, or having friends nearby. This list of blessings is one of many that helps to boost your mood and offers emotional support!

You’ll start to appreciate things more as you become more grateful. Whenever a negative feeling springs up, you can negate any negative emotions by counting your blessings! No doubt that having a job is excellent, but it isn’t everything to keep you happy! Imagine only having a job but not having a family, significant other, or friends! Yikes, life would be lonely and miserable! So, start counting your blessings, and like DJ Khaled famously says, “Bless up.”

8. Temporarily Work-I know being unemployed is not ideal, but one way you can stay hold your grip is by finding a temporary job! Wait; what? Look, I know you may be thinking, why would I look for a job outside of my expertise? What would employers or people feel if I pick up an odd job? I know what it’s like to ask that same question! Don’t forget; the goal is to stay happy! Plus, who’s going to pay the bills?

I found a temporary position to keep me feeling happy and accomplished! The sense of feeling accomplished enhances your self-worth, self-confidence, and self-esteem. I drive for Uber and Lyft in the meantime; although I know it’s not ideal, but it keeps me busy, focused, and I feel great at the end of the day. It offers me flexibility, allows me to pay my bills, and I get to continue my job search and build myself!

Phew, we are at the end of this long blog post! I know this is a long read! I want my readers who are unemployed to have solutions to get through their unemployment period and find ways to stay happy! Staying happy is a lifelong solution to a great life! Unemployed moments are temporary, but they have this nasty effect on our happiness. To all unemployed readers out there — remember — you’re not alone — you have help! :)

Have a Happy Thanksgiving! :)

I also created a publication called The COVID-19 Chronicles, which provides solutions on how you can get through COVID-19! Click here for more!

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