Self Care When You’re Unemployed and Feeling Gross

One week into being unemployed and how do I feel? Gross.

I pride myself on my routine. wake up at 6:00 AM, immediately brush my teeth, shower, get ready, hot cup of tea (I wish coffee, but that sends me over the edge), and last but not least, put on a cute ass outfit.

It’s true, when you look good, you feel good. Not to be vain because yuck, but when you look cute, you have a better day, right? I feel more confident. I hold conversations better. And ultimately, I have more pep in my step.

Now, unemployed life. It’s only been a week, but the ick factor has definitely set in. I look at my helpless self in the mirror. No makeup, hair in a bun, sweats, red eyed from constant tears, purple under eyes from lack of sleep, overall just grey, hopeless.

God knows what my husband thinks when he sees me like this. Poor guy.

Now that I’ve had my week to legitimately grieve, it’s time to pull up my socks and get back on track! Back into a routine, even if that means not going to work. Waking up at 6:00 AM, starting the day with intention, is non negotiable.

I started taking my dog for a walk as soon as I wake up in the chilly, pitch black darkness. This has been a game changer. It gives me “something to do.” My dog awaits me, and he seems quite fond of me too, which is nice. Walking early feels like winning a race before anyone else is even up. Fresh air, exercise, a moment to breathe, it’s therapeutic. I highly recommend it, dog optional.

Then comes the shower. Non negotiable. The feeling of being clean is heavenly. Followed by lotion (don’t skip this step), skincare (forget makeup), blow dried hair, and a cute set, even if it’s coordinated sweats. It makes me feel put together.

Next, hot cup of tea and the news. I know, I know am I 90? But hey, I like to be informed, even if it’s mostly negative. Twenty minutes is enough for bad vibes without ruining my day.

By 9:00 AM, it’s time for my “Feeling Fine by Nine” moment, non-negotiable during the week. Be ready for 9:00 AM. Even if you’re not leaving the house. It gives a sense of routine, purpose, and makes you feel alive and not like an unemployed sloth.

Once 9:00 hits, I get online, but not for social media. I do work online. I read posts I enjoy, watch YouTube videos, learn something, or in my case, work on this blog. It’s journaling in its own way. Take this slow time to chill, focus on yourself, and improve.

And let’s be real here, self care for the real ones doesn’t look like the curated “I woke up like this” versions you see online. I can assure you, I do not wake up like that. And no, I’m not a morning person. But I’ve realized I’m the best version of myself when I stick to a routine. Even if it’s not glamorous, even if it’s messy, it still counts.

Self care is an absolute must, no matter how shitty you feel. Shower, lotion, fresh air, coordinated sweats, tea, purpose, it all counts. I promise you’ll feel better.

Unemployed, messy, or just plain gross, self-care saves the day!