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Tips for Coping with Change During the Pandemic and Beyond

The coronavirus pandemic has disrupted our lives in countless ways. As the pandemic continues to threaten the country, it’s become easier to cope with the changes brought on by business closures and social distancing orders. However, most of us are still figuring out how to navigate new challenges in our lives, especially as the world around us begins to reopen. From home haircuts to recession-friendly budgets, everyone is dealing with some major life changes right now. Some of these changes may even persist long after the pandemic ends—and that’s not necessarily a bad thing! Here are some tips to help you adapt.

 

Get Comfortable with Remote Work

 

As businesses across the country shut down, many employees were forced to adapt to remote work almost overnight. If you struggled with this transition, you’re not alone. People across the country were quick to realize that working from home presents its fair share of challenges.  Uncomfortable chairs, constant distractions, and persistent procrastination are just a few challenges that new remote workers must overcome. 

 

Setting up a dedicated home office is essential for enjoying success in your remote work lifestyle. Choose a room in your home far away from household distractions and equip your office with features that will make your life easier, including good storage solutions, a comfortable chair, and a fast internet connection. Keep in mind that working from home may become the new normal, so make sure your home office will offer a comfortable and productive place to work for years to come.

 

Be Open to a Career Change

 

If you’re one of the millions of Americans who lost a job during the pandemic, consider jumping on this opportunity to make a career change. Pursue a lifelong passion or test out a new interest—whatever you like! Changing your job is an excellent way to learn new skills, chase after a higher salary, and keep your work exciting. For example, if the coronavirus crisis has inspired you to pursue a job in the healthcare industry, consider going back to school for a bachelor’s or master’s degree in healthcare or nursing. Thanks to online schools like WGU, it’s easy to get your nursing degree online—or any other degree for that matter! 

 

Protect Your Finances

 

If you’re between jobs right now, take steps to protect your finances until you can secure a new source of income. Preparing and planning are essential for surviving times of financial crisis, such as the current recession. Short on cash right now? Set up a budget, pick up a side gig, try renegotiating with your credit card companies for a better interest rate, and put your savings goals on hold temporarily. Once your finances are stable, you can make a long-term financial plan to pay down debt, build an emergency savings, and start investing for the future.

 

Keep Yourself Busy at Home

 

Despite the fact that most states are open, it’s still safer to stay home. Keeping yourself busy is vital for your mental health and wellbeing, so find fulfilling ways to spend your time—bonus points if you can support small businesses at the same time! Many people have used their time at home to start backyard gardens, adopt and train pets, and take online courses to advance their skill sets. You never know, you might just pick up a new hobby that sticks with you for the rest of your life!

 

Jump on the DIY Trend

 

Another way to keep yourself busy at home and cope with pandemic-related business closures is to embrace the DIY lifestyle. For example, you can easily cut your own hair at home with the help of good instructional articles and videos. Just steer clear of those kitchen scissors! Good Housekeeping recommends investing in a pair of high-quality hair cutting shears to avoid damaging the ends of your hair. As you begin cutting, start slow and cut less than you think you should. You can always take more hair off later, but you can’t glue it back on!

 

Embrace Staycations

 

With many countries across the globe barring entry to American travelers, you may have had to cancel any international vacations planned for your future. But this doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy time off! Staycations can be just as fun and relaxing as a trip abroad. In fact, embarking on a staycation in your own community is much less stressful—and more affordable—than planning a trip out of town. Turn your home into a spa, be a tourist in your own city, take a hike and meditate in the forest. There are countless great ways to enjoy a vacation without leaving home!

 

It’s clear that the coronavirus has caused a major upheaval in all of our lives. Coping with these changes hasn’t been easy, but humans are surprisingly adaptable! We can get through anything that life throws at us, even if it means adopting a new work routine, making household budget adjustments, or cutting our hair at home. Remember, the skills you pick up as you overcome today’s challenges will stick with you forever!

 

If you’re feeling anxious or depressed during this difficult time, reach out to trained psychotherapist David Salvage who can help you break free from depression and find happiness again. Book your appointment online today.

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