by Jennifer Scott
Spiritfinder.org | info@spiritfinder.org
Photo via Rawpixel
The coronavirus pandemic has forced us all to adapt to some pretty drastic life changes, many of which will stick around for the long-term. But these changes aren’t all bad! Industries have adopted a greater focus on virtual services, small businesses have found new ways to meet the needs of their customers, and many people have developed healthier habits and even found new careers. Here are some ways your life may look different during the pandemic and how you can adjust to this new normal.
Staying Fit at Home
When the virus forced the shutdown of gyms, fitness centers, and local parks, people sought new ways to care for their physical health. From working out at home to relieving stress with a relaxing yoga routine, there are several great ways to maintain your fitness if you can’t get out of the house. Even as your community begins to reopen, indoor exercises can help you stay fit when you can’t find the motivation to go to the gym.
Changing Careers
If you’ve lost your job during the pandemic, you may be looking for work. There are plenty of remote freelancing opportunities if you’d like to make some extra cash, but if you want a bigger change, now could be the perfect time to launch your own business. More people are realizing how easy it is to start a home-based business thanks to a wealth of online resources. It doesn’t take much to find a service or product that serves a need, create a business plan, decide on a business structure, build a website, and begin social media marketing. You can even register your business through an online service, but be sure to check ratings first so you get the best bang for your buck.
Staying Connected
People are also using virtual tools to stay connected with friends and loved ones in new ways. Refinery29 suggests that people are reaching out to each other even more than usual right now, developing stronger friendships and reconnecting with people they haven’t spoken with in a while. Putting in a little extra work to connect with people has led to more intentional conversations and intimate discussions.
Practicing Self-Care
The pandemic has also forced people to take self-care into their own hands. For example, instead of going to the salon for a haircut, many people have learned how to cut and style their hair at home. People have also learned how to cook healthy, nutritious meals in lieu of dining out at restaurants or ordering takeout. And when it comes to fighting stress, relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, deep breathing, and listening to calming music can help you find relief if your regular activities are inaccessible during the pandemic.
Practicing self-care also involves seeking out counseling if you’re having difficulties navigating pandemic life. Depression, anxiety, grief and loss can all contribute to overwhelming emotions and fears. Reach out to a trained therapist to help you talk through what you’re feeling so that you can find a way forward.
Filling Free Time
The coronavirus has given a lot of us more free time than we’re used to. This is a great opportunity to pick up some new hobbies. According to Discover, hobbies are great for your mental health because they reduce anxiety, improve emotional regulation, and boost self-confidence. If you’re not sure where to start, consider crafting, diving into a new book, growing a garden, learning an instrument, or learning a new language. Believe it or not, even playing video games can be a beneficial hobby—as long as you practice moderation! The pandemic is a great excuse to try new things and challenge your brain in different ways, so don’t hesitate to experiment with several different hobbies until you find a few that you really like.
It isn’t easy navigating the constantly changing waters of the coronavirus pandemic. Just remember to hold onto the healthy changes you make during this difficult time! From working out at home to staying in touch with your loved ones to sticking with self-care, these habits will continue to improve your life long after the pandemic ends.
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