It's a tough one, Postie. I've had a few periods of long-term unemployment but always through choice rather than circumstances. The kids helped but getting into something of a routine also helped maintain sanity. It doesn't have to be a daily routine, but tell yourself to do X on Monday and Y on Tuesday, with the different tasks being stuff you enjoy doing but may otherwise ignore. For instance, take a one-way train journey to return by bike, get out and take some photos of a new subject or a new discipline, learn a new type of cooking etc. Stuff that you might do anyway but which can take your time and provide you with an interest without much £££s outlay.