The pandemic has changed life for virtually everyone, whether it’s dealing with losing a job, adapting to stay-home orders, or learning to cook for yourself. Some major changes are by choice—choosing to adhere to travel restrictions and cancelling vacations, for example—while others are by force, such as being laid off. Regardless of the change, there are both challenges and benefits that come with transitions.
Adapting to changes:
As the threat of COVID-19 transmission became clear, people were forced to abandon or postpone weddings, travel plans, and events. While difficult, these changes have been necessary to slow the spread of the virus. Many people experience a sense of grief through sudden changes, so it’s important to focus on self-care as you deal with the disappointment. And if you need extra support, Guan Yin Healing Arts specializes in affordable therapy and can teach you mindfulness practices to ease feelings of stress or depression.
However, there have been some creative adaptations in lieu of events and travel, as people find ways to celebrate together via video chats, drive-by parades instead of birthday parties, and live-streamed “living room concerts” by musical artists who had to forego their touring plans.
If you’ve been laid off as a result of the pandemic, it may be difficult to adapt to being home all the time with no work to keep you busy. This can be a great time to reassess your career path and think about whether it may be time to change your focus. As you spend time at home, do some research into fields that interest you, and see if you can find free online courses that may help you get more insight into different industries.
For those who were considering getting a pet, the pandemic provides the perfect opportunity because you’ll be home more often to help train your new dog or cat. And if you live alone, your new companion will ease feelings of isolation. However, be sure to think about the long-term effects of having a pet before you adopt. If you have a job that will require you to eventually spend long hours at the office, you may want to consider how to care for your pet when you go back to work. If you’re feeling idle at home and looking for ways to stay busy, consider planting a garden to get some exercise and fresh air.
Another challenge is learning how to battle the pandemic shag; depending on how long you’ve been isolating, your hair is likely in need of a cut. With many barbershops and salons still closed or open for reduced hours, it’s becoming more common that people take their haircuts into their own hands. Before you start hacking away at your locks with a pair of kitchen scissors, research tips and invest in tools, such as hair clippers, so you can make the most of your COVID cut.
Plans you can’t change:
While many life plans can be changed, there are a few things that can’t wait. For example, if you have to buy a new car, there are ways to do it safely right now, with many car dealerships offering special services such as car deliveries and no-contact showings. Call around to local dealerships to see if you can test-drive a vehicle, but be sure to ask them about their cleaning protocol.
Pregnant women can’t press pause on their pregnancy and will have to deal with challenges of giving birth during a pandemic. Families expecting a baby can mitigate the risk of contracting COVID-19 by shifting to a midwife clinic instead of a hospital.
For those who need to buy a house during the pandemic, be sure to take advantage of technology and inquire about virtual tours and 3D walkthroughs. Many real estate agents have precautions in place for the pandemic, so find a touring option that limits your exposure to germs.
The pandemic has forced everyone to adapt to life changes, from being laid off to cancelling travel plans. While the disappointment may be hard to handle, there are things you can do to mitigate the stress such as planting a garden, taking online courses, and adopting a new pet for companionship. Some things can’t change despite the pandemic, so if you have to buy a new car or a house, research ways to do it safely and reduce the spread of the virus.
Article written by:
Jennifer Scott
For more information about Jennifter, visit her blog at spiritfinder.org.