The rate of job loss worldwide has increased in the last three years since the pandemic. From shutting down businesses to cutting down the number of employees, several factors caused this increase in the unemployment rate during COVID-19. Every one of us was forced to stay at home and be safe. Unfortunately for some people, they lost their jobs.
Losing your job is a difficult and stressful experience. It will leave you feeling lost and uncertain about the future. However, it can also be an opportunity to discover new hobbies, interests, and opportunities for personal growth. Instead of dwelling on its negative aspects, why not embrace this time as a chance to explore your passions and try new things?
In this article, we've compiled a list of 10 fun and productive activities that can help you cope and discover new possibilities for your life. From casual fun activities like playing games on phone to learning a new skill to volunteering in your community, each activity offers a unique way to channel your energy into positive outcomes.
Fun Ways to Cope With Job Loss
It's totally normal to feel sad when you just recently lost your job. It was obviously unexpected and no one would ever wish something like this would happen. However, you have no other choice but to keep your head high and face the challenges ahead of you.
You should get up every morning hoping that everything will get better. You have every right to feel sad, but you don't have to feel it forever. You should be doing fun activities to lift your spirit up during this challenging time. Below are some of the things you can do to boost your mood.
Get active
Exercise is a great way to relieve stress, boost your mood, and improve your physical health. You can choose an exercise depending on your interests and fitness level. For example, going for a run or a brisk walk is a great way to get some fresh air and clear your mind. Yoga is also a popular exercise that can help you relax, stretch your muscles, and improve your flexibility.
An active lifestyle can help you manage stress and improve your physical health. Even if you're not used to exercising regularly, starting with small, manageable goals can help you build momentum and improve your overall wellbeing. So, consider adding exercise to your daily routine and see how it can help you cope with losing a job.
Explore your city
Exploring your city or town can be a great way to temporarily forget about your unfortunate situation. You can explore museums, parks, and attractions that offer fun activities. You can even bring your family and friends with you! By taking the time to explore your community, you may find new interests or hobbies, meet new people, and gain a deeper appreciation for your surroundings.
Connect with friends and family
Staying connected with friends and family is important for you to get back on your feet. It can provide support and comfort, and even lead to new job opportunities or career ideas. You can plan a get-together or outing, such as a picnic or day trip, or simply chat on the phone or have a virtual coffee date to catch up.
Watch a movie
Now is your time to catch up on some of the entertaining shows you might be interested in. Whether you prefer comedies, dramas, or action films, there's a movie out there for you. Who knows, you might get inspiration and motivation from a movie scene. It can definitely offer new perspectives and ideas that can help you navigate your job search or explore a new career path.
Play online games
Playing online games offers a temporary escape and allows you to focus on an enjoyable activity. It can instantly boost your mood and give you hours of fun. Whether you prefer puzzles, strategy games, or multiplayer games, you can find almost any kind of fun web games.
Did you know that you can also earn money from online games? Yes, you read it right! You can now play games for real money and make it a side hustle. This is an opportunity to earn income from the comfort of your home!
Productive Ways to Prepare For Your Next Job Search
You have now moved on from sadness after losing your job. You have now gained strength and energy to think of some ways to be productive while you prepare for your next journey. There are a lots of things you can do to sharpen your mind, improve your skills, and develop more confidence. But we gathered our top 5 choices to make sure you are well-equipped.
Volunteer
Volunteering is a valuable and rewarding activity that can provide a sense of purpose and offer networking opportunities. When seeking volunteer opportunities, you should consider your interests and skills, as well as potential organizations in your community that could benefit from your help.
By using your time to give back to others, you can not only improve your mood and self-esteem but also develop new connections and potentially land you your dream job.
Start a new hobby
Explore new interests and develop a new skill set by starting a new hobby. It can be a great opportunity to try something that you've always wanted to do but never had the time for. Consider joining a local club or group that shares your hobby, which can provide a sense of community and support.
So, whether it's painting, gardening, cooking, or anything else that sparks your curiosity, give it a try and see where it takes you. Plus, who knows? Your new hobby could lead to unexpected opportunities or even a new career path.
Start a side hustle
Starting a side hustle can be a great way to explore new career opportunities and earn extra income. You can turn your skills or talents into a business, whether it's freelancing, consulting, selling a product, or even online casino gaming.
With the rise of online platforms, it's become easier than ever to start a side hustle with low upfront costs. Not only can a side hustle provide financial benefits, but it can also be a way to explore your interests and passions outside of your main job.
Learn a new language
Broaden your horizon and understanding of other cultures by learning a new language. It will surely benefit you both personally and professionally. It can help you communicate better, understand people from other cultures, and even make you a more desirable candidate for job opportunities.
There are plenty of affordable and accessible language learning resources available. You can learn from language learning apps like Duolingo and Babbel for a variety of languages and proficiency levels. To practice speaking and listening skills with native speakers and make new friends from around the globe, you can also connect with language exchange partners online through platforms such as italki and Tandem.
Read a book
Whether you prefer fiction, non-fiction, or self-help books, there's a wealth of information and entertainment to be found in the pages of a good book. So take some time to curl up with a book that interests you, and let your mind wander to new places and perspectives. Self-help books can give you new knowledge about certain skills you want to develop. This will definitely become useful to you when you land your next job.
Conclusion
By exploring new hobbies and interests, you can turn a job loss into an opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery. We've highlighted ten productive and engaging ways to cope with this challenging time, from volunteering and starting a side hustle to exploring your city, playing web browser games to learning a new language. These activities can help you stay positive, boost your mood, and keep you motivated. You are not alone in this experience, and with the right mindset, losing a job can work for you and your hobbies. So take a deep breath, stay positive, and embrace this time as a chance to explore new opportunities and skills.