How to Manage Major Life Changes due to COVID-19

  • 3 min read
For better or worse, the COVID-19 pandemic has invoked major life changes for most people. When many local businesses across the country closed for stay-home orders, we learned to become more resourceful, whether learning to cut your own hair or embarking on DIY projects. Even as many areas have started reopening, challenges that have surfaced during the pandemic will likely continue for some time
Rolling with the Punches
When the shutdowns started, the uncertainty ran deep. How long would people be out of work? When would schools reopen? Major changes — both positive and negative — have occurred as a result of the lockdown, and learning to cope with change has been a constant requirement.
For those who have lost jobs or income, take this time to reassess your career. Some industries will continue to face challenges, including tourism, entertainment, and restaurants.
If your career is in one of these industries, consider looking into alternative career paths or jump on the opportunity to go back to school for continued education or to learn a new trade. For example, if you’re good with numbers and are passionate about financial performance, you could earn an accounting degree online and gain new marketable skills in business structure, marketing, economics, and business management.
If you’ve always wanted to start your own business, now could be the perfect time to test out your plan. Consider which industries are thriving — healthcare, groceries, and household goods are among those that are thriving during the pandemic — and see if you can make your business fit into one of those industries. Online businesses are also thriving, so consider ways for making your business thrive in the online space.
Being Resourceful
For some, the biggest challenge has been coping with more time at home. Many of us lead such busy lives that it’s tough to be faced with so much downtime. Families have found themselves at the dinner table together every night of the week and spending every weekend together. While this may have been great at the beginning of the lockdowns, it’s natural to feel a little stir-crazy. This is when it’s important to be resourceful and find new activities to fill your days, such as getting exercise with your kids or scheduling virtual playdates with friends.
With extra time at home, this is the perfect opportunity to work in the garden or on DIY home projects. Tackle projects with the whole family, giving each family member a task so it fosters a sense of teamwork. Working in the garden can also be very grounding as you get fresh air and exercise in the comfort of your backyard. Additionally, you can use this opportunity to reassess your diet, get rid of anything unhealthy, and begin to focus on healthier options (and HealthyMe Living can help you snack healthily when you sign up for our monthly snack boxes)
Or, if you’ve always wanted a pet, this is a great time to adopt an animal. You’ll be home often enough to go through the training necessary, and having an animal around will help alleviate stress related to the changes you’re going through. If you do plan to adopt, be sure to consider how your new pet will adapt when it’s time to go back to work.
Some Plans Can’t Wait
Despite the pandemic, not everything can be put on pause. If you’re ready to buy a home and need to do it soon, there are steps you can take to do it safely; for example, you can tour homes online through 3D walkthroughs, video-chat tours, and virtual open houses.
One bonus is that it's a buyer's market right now; home prices are down in some places, and mortgage rates are at an all-time low. However, if you’re ready to buy, be sure to take safety precautions to keep you and your family safe and reduce the risk of transmission.
As you navigate the challenges of living in the COVID-19 era, remember that this virus will pass. In the meantime, continue being resourceful and seek professional help if you need it. Find ways to stay engaged mentally and physically, whether it’s tackling DIY projects with your kids or adopting a new furry companion.

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