How to Develop a Routine When You’ve Just Lost Your Job

Losing a job can be devastating at any time, but in these uncertain times, it somehow feels worse.

One of the reasons why it feels so overwhelming to be unemployed right now is because we don’t know when things are going to turn around. And the likelihood of landing a job right now seems discouraging. 

But we all have a choice. We can succumb to depression and negativity or we can choose to keep our eyes on the prize. 

Eventually, we will be able to get back to work, and we need to do our part to ensure we’re still employable when this is all over. And that means sticking to a productive routine. 

Here’s how to develop a routine when you’ve just lost your job.

Wake up early

The world isn’t going to end if you sleep in on a random Tuesday, but for the most part, waking up early is going to help you make the most of your time off. When you wake up early, you have a better chance of controlling your day instead of having it control you. 

Try to wake up around the same time you would if you were currently employed. This habit is relatively easy to start when you’re newly unemployed before you begin any bad habits. But it’s never too late to seize your day. 

Start with exercise

Many people find that starting their day with exercise helps improve their overall outlook. And that’s especially important right now. 

Fit in exercise whenever it makes most sense for you, but do try to make it a daily habit. This will help you stay motivated and continue with that momentum. This routine will also help you maintain a sense of normalcy to your day. 

Your exercise routine could be as simple as a walk around the neighborhood, so you don’t have to feel overwhelmed. This isn’t about setting any grandiose goals. In fact, that would likely be counterproductive. Instead, choose something you enjoy doing to increase your likelihood of following through. 

Advance your career skills

Since you now have the opportunity to create a new routine, be sure to add something that improves your employability. Learn a new skill or get a certification that can look great on your resume. And if you can’t think of anything, maybe consider learning a new language. Being multilingual is helpful in most industries. 

Develop healthy coping mechanisms

Through it all, we can’t gloss over the fact that this is a stressful time. And if you don’t have healthy coping mechanisms, you might be tempted to self-medicate. Losing a job is one of the most common reasons to drink that people use, but especially during a prolonged crisis, it can be dangerous. Alcoholism can develop without your knowledge or consent, and that will have a greater impact on your life than this little blip of unemployment. Be cautious of how much you’re drinking during this time. 

It’s never a good time to lose your job, but it’s important to maintain a positive attitude and to do things that will be good for you in the short and long term.