Mood Boost After Layoff

After a layoff...

Counterintuitive, but hear me out: When I got laid off in the past (now multiple times in past lives), I spontaneously did something, literally in the moment without prior thought. I bought the customer behind me their coffee. Total random act of kindness. And my stress level after the trauma of my layoff COMPLETELY disappeared for the day, and my mood SOARED. 

Why?? Several reasons, (so I later learned): 

I made a choice, and I shifted from loss to agency. I took my control back. I reminded my brain: “I can still do something. I still have power to affect the world.” Regaining even a sliver of control is deeply soothing after a shock like a job loss.

I reconnected with abundance, not scarcity. Scarcity thinking (e.g. “I have to hold onto everything!”) narrows the mind and increases stress hormones like cortisol. Generosity - with a few dollars, or just time or thoughtfulness - flips the script. It tells your subconscious: “I have enough to give.” That act signals safety, not fear, which physiologically calms the nervous system.

I reminded myself of my belonging and purpose. A layoff can make people feel isolated or disposable. But kindness, especially to strangers, connects you to community, to humanity. It reaffirms your place in the world as someone who still matters, still contributes.

I rewired my emotions through empathy. Acts of generosity release dopamine and oxytocin… the same chemicals that create feelings of joy, bonding, and hope. It’s your brain’s way of rewarding connection.

Essentially I reminded myself that - while I had lost my job - I didn’t lose my ability to impact. 

Bottom Line:

If you can spare $5-6 to buy a stranger a drink, you might feel better too. If not, use your expertise. If you're a recruiter, help someone with their resume for 30 mins. If you're a marketer, offer a consultative phone call to help your friend's small business. If you can't use your trade to directly help someone, meander to your neighbor's yard with your rake or lawnmower after you do your own. In your dark moments after a layoff, do a random act of kindness to refuel your soul. I bet you'll feel better.