Just Because You're Unemployed, It Doesn't Mean That You Can't Be Productive In Other Ways

Did you just complete high school and/or post-secondary school but don't know where to begin? Are you currently unemployed because of your disability? Are you homeless? Do you live in an impoverished household or a community with limited paid-job opportunities? Or do you have other reasons behind being unemployed? If you answer "yes" to one or more of these questions, now's the time to read this basic guide to productivity for the unemployed!

Keeping ourselves busy is part of healthy living. It's good for our bodies, minds and souls to do activities that will benefit the 7 main components of health and wellness: spiritual, emotional, intellectual, physical, psychological, mental and environmental. If we don't use our minds and bodies, they will gradually deteroirate, which can lead to illnesses like dementia, stroke, heart disease, cancer, diabetes and others. Humans are made to move and think, so we need to find activities that will foster our mental and physical wellbeing.

Depending on everyone's abilities and passions, there are tons of programs to attend and pastimes to pursue in both the community and the home. What's great about the world we live in is that there is something for everyone to enjoy, no matter the gender, age, ability, income level, race and religion. Some people take more time than others to determine what they are 'really passionate about" or "how they want to fill their days", and that's perfectly fine! If you're having difficulty figuring out what you're passionate about and how you want to spend your days, read these 10 solutions that I have for you!

1) Do some research on hobbies that you can pursue

For many years, the Internet has been the main resource for people. Whether we're researching facts for a college essay, finding free movies to watch online or shopping on Ebay, the Internet is one of the best inventions that's been made. If you're ona quest for a few hobbies that you're thinking of taking on with people or by yourself, there are plenty of websites to go on to find hobbies. I'll link the websites below.

When you're searching for a hobby that you think may be complicated to start, find and watch YouTube tutorials or purchase handbooks on how you can start that specific hobby you've been waiting to start. Examples of hobbies that will require some knowledge prior to beginning are watercolour painting, knitting, crocheting, playing backgammon, sewing, etc. Some hobbies can be pursued without much knowledge like video games and colouring.

Second, find a hobby that's based on your budget, especially if you're living in a low-income household and can't afford to take on expensive hobbies like playing the guitar or making films. Ask yourself what you can afford and find hobbies that are both fulfilling and budget-friendly.

If you have a mental health issue, developmental disability or physical disability, that shouldn't be a barrier to finding a hobby that you can enjoy on your spare time. For example, if you're willing to try doing jigsaw puzzles, search for and buy a puzzle that best caters to your recreational needs. For beginners, 60-250 piece puzzles are the best for starting out. If you want to start reading books, find books that cater to your reading level. Tactile puzzles, games and books in Braille are available for those living with blindness.

2) Find some low-zero cost recreation and fitness programs that you can join at local community recreation facilities

Socializing with others has a tremendous impact on our social, mental, physical and emotional wellbeing. We don't only meet people at work or school, we also meet them while attending programs in the community. Community recreation programs that enable socialization and interaction with others are chess clubs, seniors' social clubs, video game clubs, sports classes, etc. You'll have no trouble finding, registering for and attending a variety of programs that will accommodate you. Low cost and zero cost programs are primarily available in municipal recreation facilities. Depending on where you reside, the private recreation clubs can be a bit more expensive.

If you have an adult child living with a severe-enough disability or mental health issue that impacts his or her ability to obtain employment, you can research, register for and enroll your child in a day habilitation or therapeutic recreation program that will cater to his or her needs. Enrolling your child in a day habilitation or therapeutic recreation program will give the caregiver a break to do other activities during the day. It will also promote personal growth, independence and give him or her the chance to learn new things, make friends, live a healthy life and keep him or her busy with purposeful activities during the day.

3) Volunteer your time in the community or at home

In my personal opinion, volunteering is one of the best things you can do if you're unemployed and able to do so. Volunteering doesn't just nurture socialization, it also promotes skill-building, resume development, career exploration and community engagement. You can volunteer on your own, in pairs or a group of three people or more. Depending on what you're interesting in doing, there are tons of things you can do as a volunteer. Places to volunteer at include soup kitchens, animal shelters, daycares, seniors' residences, community centres, public events, places or worship, farmers markets and many others! Just find what you love to do and find a place that you will enjoy visiting on your volunteer days! Find the times and days that best work with your schedule and start volunteering! Links to different websites and references will be down below for you to click on!

4) Help out around the house

Helping out around the house is one of the best things you can do when you're unemployed! Not only are you looking after yourselves by keeping your homes clean, but also moving your bodies! Whether you're cooking, mopping, vacuuming, disinfecting, making your bed, washing the dishes or doing any other household task, you're still burning some calories and including some basic movement into your daily schedules! The best times to do household chores are in the mornings and afternoons, when you have enough energy to move around! That being said, you can complete chores whenever you want!

5) Rest, if you are ill

The last thing you want to do when you're physically and/or mentally sick is, do too many activities. Health is health, whether it's mental or physical. If you have a cold, fever or any other acute or chronic medical condition, visit a doctor and rest as much as you can. If you're grappling with a clinical mental health condition like depression and/or a substance abuse disorder, seek professional help and take care of yourself before pursuing other activities. If you're not functioning well, it will be challenging for you to participare in activities and help others. You are your priority, so you need to remember that before finding activities to do in the community or at home!

6) Take some online and/or in-person courses you're interested in or that you think will benefit you in the long term

Courses like visual arts, music, yoga, nutrition, health, financial literacy and spirituality can be taken online and in-person. Places like art studios, theatres, community centres, churches, fitness studios, newcomer hubs, synagogues, mosques and temples can offer a variety of in-person and virtual spirituality, health and arts-based courses that cater to a diverse range of people. Websites like Udemy enables potential and current online students to select and take courses in different subjects like literature, science, information technology and much more. Depending on the course(s) you're willing to take, the fees range from $14.99-$200.00, but it's all worth it if you want to pursue online schooling. Some websites offer free online courses, so be sure to do your research!

7) Launch a home-based business of your choice

Launching a home business is a perfect way to keep busy and get moving at home. Home-based businesses that people run include: dog walking/sitting, baby-sitting, catering, baking/cooking, cleaning, tutoring and selling old items in your house. If you love social media, there are a ton of influencer jobs that are out there for you to investigate in and pursue! You can make some money and enjoy having a flexible schedule at the same time! Just think outside the box, explore your interests and you'll get there!

There are tons for you to do out there! Don't use unemployment as an excuse to not get your body and mind moving, because it will benefit you at the end of the day! I hope you use this basic guide as one of your resources. If you need extra support, don't hesitate to reach out to community outreach workers, therapists and other professionals that are willing to support you in any way!

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