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“This month’s blog is written by by a guest contributor who offered her
thoughts and insights about life during this challenging pandemic time.
Thank you to Jennifer Scott for her helpful and insightful contribution
this month.
Jennifer Scott is a single mom who writes about the ups and downs of her
mental illness on SpiritFinder.org. The blog serves as both a source of
information for people with mental illness and a forum where those
living with anxiety and depression can come together to discuss their
experiences. Based in Philadelphia, she enjoys traveling, working with
animals, and seeking out new friendships and adventures.”
It’s safe to say that the coronavirus pandemic has changed our lives in several ways. First of all, if any of these changes have brought on overwhelming feelings of anxiety or depression, it’s a good idea to consult with a professional as soon as possible. Linda Mesing Cook offers solutions-focused therapy to help her clients make sustainable positive life changes.
But while some of these changes are unwanted, many people have enjoyed positive lifestyle shifts as a result of the lockdown. Navigating the challenges presented by COVID-19 has encouraged people to try at-home exercises, take up new hobbies, adopt loving pets, and even learn how to cut their own hair! Here are some tips to help you navigate these changes in your own life.
Some Things Cannot Be Postponed
COVID-19 has put many things on hold, including weddings, funerals, and even breakups. But some things just cannot wait. For example, people with chronic conditions still need to seek regular medical support for help managing their symptoms. These individuals have had to take special precautions to avoid getting sick while receiving the medical care they need. Likewise, people are still delivering babies, receiving emergency surgery, and visiting the dentist for serious dental issues like tooth pain and oral infections.
Moving is another big one. Many people have no choice but to move during the pandemic, whether due to financial trouble or work requirements. If you’re facing the task of buying a new home right now, make sure you know what to expect! Redfin explains that you can still tour and buy homes during the coronavirus pandemic, but you will have to do so virtually with the help of video-chat tours and 3D walkthroughs.
Self-Care and Personal Grooming at Home
Although salons, gyms, and recreational centers are beginning to reopen, many people still don’t feel comfortable visiting these public spaces. Fortunately, taking charge of your own self-care and personal grooming needs will benefit you in the long run! Working out at home is much more convenient than making a daily trip to the gym while cutting your own hair will save you a lot of money on salon visits. Just make sure you have the right supplies if you’re taking over as your personal hair stylist — those rusty old kitchen scissors should not be your weapon of choice! Instead, invest in some quality haircutting tools like proper hair shears and a hair-cutting mirror.
Adopting a Furry Friend
If you’re staying home a lot more than normal these days, you may be wondering if this is a good time to finally adopt a pet. And it might be! Just make sure that owning a pet will still make sense for your lifestyle after things return to normal. What is your life going to look like in the next couple of months or years? Will you still be able to give your new pet all of the attention, exercise, and mental stimulation they need? If you anticipate working long hours at the office or doing a lot of traveling in the future, you may want to hold off on getting a pet just yet.
Once you determine that adopting a dog is a good decision, make sure your home and life are well-prepared! This is especially important if you live in a rental community. Pupjobs.com recommends learning about “dog etiquette” for rentals so you can avoid problems with your landlord or neighbors. For example, you will have to clean up after your pet and properly train them to minimize barking and destructive behaviors.
Working from Home
Most of us have become very familiar with remote work over the past couple of months. While working from home can be very enjoyable, it does come with some drawbacks. For example, it can be tough to stay on task, avoid distractions, and clock out at the end of the day. Some simple ways to make remote work easier include setting up a dedicated office space and following your regular morning routine before sitting down at your desk. Also, remember that burnout is still possible when working from home, so watch out for any signs that you may be getting overwhelmed or mentally drained.
While the coronavirus pandemic is affecting all of us, we’re all facing different challenges as we adapt to lifestyle changes. The solutions that work for some people may not be right for you. Coping with change is all about trial and error, so get creative and find new ways to overcome the pandemic-related obstacles in your own life!
