Rising bills and unemployed? Tips for your mental health

Since the start of 2022, the cost of bills has increased by 61% in the UK. If you’re unemployed, it’s no wonder you’re feeling the pressure. Applying for jobs is stressful as it is – without the added pressure of rising bills! But feeling stressed and overwhelmed doesn’t help. In fact, it makes things worse.

Check out our tips for caring for your mental health while you’re unemployed in today’s expensive world. 

• Create a plan
• Manage your finances
• Lean on your friends and family
• Do something for yourself
• Meditate
• Stay in a routine
• Complete a free course
• Accept what you can’t change

8 mental health tips if you’re unemployed

Create a plan 

It’s important to make a plan for your job search. Update your CV. Know exactly what types of jobs you want to apply for. And work out how many applications you should make each day (without burning yourself out). 

Stay in a routine

Keep your days structured and stay in a routine. When you’re unemployed, you can easily become unproductive. Then the days start blurring into one. But you want to keep as much structure as possible and really earn your downtime. So wake up early, take a shower, get changed and execute your day’s plan! The best way to end your day is by feeling like you’ve had a productive day.

Manage your finances

Finances are the number one stressor when you’re unemployed. And we’ve all been in that place where we’re scared to look at our bank accounts. But the worst thing you can do is avoid your finances. It’s best to face them head on. So grab a cup of tea. Take a deep breath. And view your bank account. Cut costs where possible. And work out a weekly budget. This will help take some of the pressure off.

Lean on your friends and family

One of the hardest parts of being unemployed is feeling alone. This can really take a toll on your mental health. But when times are hard, you need to lean on your support circle. Make sure you talk to your friends and family. Tell them how you’re feeling so they can offer support and advice.

Do something for yourself

When you’re unemployed, it’s easy to focus all your attention on finding a new job. But this will lead you to burnout. Just like an overworked computer, sometimes you need to switch yourself off so you can run better. Whether it’s going to the gym, seeing friends, or finding a new hobby, don’t let yourself fall into a rut.

Meditate

Meditation has been proven to soothe anxiety and stress. So if your mind is running in overdrive, stick on a 10 minute guided meditation on YouTube. Bonus points if you can make meditation a part of your daily routine!

Complete a free course

Whilst you’re unemployed, why not use this time to upskill yourself with a course? If money’s tight, there are plenty of free courses online. Every skill you gain will help you land the job you want!

Accept what you can’t change

A lot of things are out of your control in the job hunt process. So don’t fall into the trap of wanting to control everything. It will eat away at your mental health. So practice accepting the things you can’t change and focus on what you can!

You have the power

It’s easy to feel helpless when you’re unemployed. But don’t let your fears overcome you. You have more power than you think. With a bit of structure and self-care, you might even blossom during your unemployment!

Love wellbeing? Share your mental health tips in the comments below 👇