by Shiela Johnson
Change is usually hard to cope with, but it’s even more challenging if it’s unexpected. Most of us could never have anticipated how much of an impact COVID-19 would have on our lives. Even though the pandemic is slowing down in many areas, it continues to affect just about every aspect of our daily lives. Below, find ways to cope with the changes so you can feel your best and thrive under the new norm.
Establish Routines
Quarantine measures have been relaxed in most places, but it’ll be awhile until you can go out in the community to do everything you used to. You’re probably still spending more time than usual at home even with restrictions being lifted. With so much unstructured time, it’s crucial that you develop routines to maintain your mental health.
Not only do routines create stability, they also help you stay on task and reduce stress. If your old routines have been put on hold due to the pandemic, it may help to work on establishing new ones. If you don’t know where to start, try developing a nightly ritual or making a daily yoga or exercise goal.
Bedtime rituals will help you relax and may even improve the quality of your sleep. Given that sleep is so important for your mental and physical health, striving for good sleep habits is one of the best things you can do for yourself.
Refocus on Your Goals
Being stuck inside can feel like a drag, but it also provides a perfect opportunity for self-reflection. With more down time, you will have more chances to meditate on things such as your career, relationships, fitness, finances, and personal goals. If you don’t have any specific ideas for making progress in these areas right now, spend some time setting goals.
Make a Career Move
Many people have begun to reconsider their careers in light of the pandemic. For example, the pandemic may have made you realize that you want more job security, or that you want a more flexible career that allows you to work from home.
Becoming a freelancer is one of the best ways to launch a work-from-home career that allows you to put your skills to work. For example, if you’re skilled with image-editing software, becoming a professional photo editor is a perfect way to turn your talents into a career.
Focus on Your Mental Health
The pandemic has caused a number of negative mental health effects in the general population, such as increased anxiety and depression. However, Medical News Today highlights the fact that the mental health impact has been even greater among minority groups and people of color.
Now more than ever, it’s important to seek out mental health help. The pandemic shouldn't stop you from getting help if you need it. There are many ways to seek out mental health help through text, by phone, or in person. You can also use online therapy from Reach Counseling Solutions. Online therapy is often easier to fit into your schedule, but during the pandemic, it also allows you to get help while staying at home.
Find Ways to Be Self-Sufficient
It’s empowering and comforting to be able to be self-sufficient and take care of things yourself. However, it’s downright stressful if you’re not prepared. For many people, the pandemic has revealed a lot of areas where more preparation is necessary. For example, if you’ve been cutting your own hair or cooking more meals at home due to pandemic closures, it’s easier if you’ve got the right tools for the job. Having shears, clippers, and other personal grooming supplies on hand can make all the difference if you can’t make it to the salon. Likewise, having good cooking gear can make or break a home-cooked meal.
Coping with the pandemic is a challenge on many levels. While some things will return to normal once all the restrictions are lifted, other things will likely be forever changed. Being able to adapt to new circumstances will help you thrive no matter what changes become permanent after the pandemic is over.
Shelila Johnson is a ZENthusiast. She makes self-care a priority now that she’s seen the consequences when she doesn’t. She found a routine that balances work life with taking care of her mental, emotional, and physical health. You may find more information about Sheila on her website at www.wellsheila.net.