How to Fight the Unemployment Blues.

Has FUN-employment gotten you down? It can be both stressful and relieving since you don't have deadlines, responsibilities, or anything to do. If you're like me, you define yourself by your career so unemployment can lead to a scary time of uncertainty and self-deprecation. Here are some things that myself and others alike do to be productive and optimistic: 1. Exercise

When you focus your negative energy on working out, it can not only make you look better but improve your mood by releasing endorphins, a hormone responsible for combating stress and pain. Try joining a gym, class, or sports team. If budget is an issue, go work out at the park or run around your neighborhood.

2. Read books

When was the last time you read a book? Whether it is a novel or a instructional e-book, get lost in learning more and exploring. Perhaps you can reread the Harry Potter series and emerge yourself in a world where making the Quidditch team was your biggest problem.

3. Catch up with friends

Remember all your friends that you promised coffee but ended up postponing until now due to your long work hours? This is a great time to try and get those dates in. Who knows where you all will be in a few weeks, months, or years. Being with friends will always brighten your mood.

4. Dig up an old hobby (or find a new one)

Were you the 6 year old yo-yo champion of your county? Best hula-hooper? What better time than now to fully engage yourself in hobbies that make you happy. Who knows, you could now be the best 25 year old yo-yoist! Hobbies not only kill time and provide fun, but there can be a lot that you can learn about yourself through rediscovering (or discovering) something that you are good at. If anything, it's a confidence boost!

5. Travel

Think back of all those times when you looked out the window from the office and wished that you were sitting on the beach instead of watching the sun rise and set from indoors. Do something crazy and just go. Go to places you've never been before. Do it with friends, your dog, or even yourself. The most important thing is that you go. You have the rest of your life to sit in a cubicle and wish you traveled, so do it now. It doesn't have to be far, but even going on a day trip can enlighten you on much more than a textbook can.

The one thing that I do not recommend for anyone to do when "funemployed" is to sit around, sulking, sleeping, and binge watching TV shows all day. There is so much to do and so much to see that you should seize the time given to you and not sit around feeling sorry for yourself. Remember, unemployment can be scary but it is temporary and it is important to use this time to really do what makes you happy.

How do you deal with the unemployment blues?

PS. If binge watching TV shows make you happy, go for it. Just remember to get some fresh air every 72 hours or so.