Managing Your Mental Health on a Furlough
Remember that you are allowed to grieve.
- Give yourself compassion
- Structure your day: give yourself a routine
- Get dressed everyday
- Try to get enough sleep
- Regular exercise
- Remember to eat (well-balanced meals)
- Drink enough water
- Get outside and enjoy nature
- Make time to socialize (even if it is just virtually)
- Explore your hobbies (or explore things you enjoyed as a child)
- Volunteer
- Learn a new skill
- Practice mindfulness
- Achieve a goal
- Do your best to give yourself hope (be patient with and kind to yourself on this one)
- Check to make sure you are getting all of the unemployment benefits you deserve.
- Set a furlough budget
- Ask any questions you have about being furloughed and the benefits you retain--you have a right to be informed.
These tips are compiled from the following articles: