5 Areas of Life that Have Been Affected by the Pandemic
T he impact of COVID-19 has reached virtually every sector of society and industry. Even in places where the economy is opening back up, most businesses are in for a slow recovery process, and people all over the country are either quarantined or practicing social distancing in one way or another.
In short, things are different, and they will probably be that way for a while. If you’ve experienced some major changes to your everyday life during the pandemic, you know how challenging it can be. But that doesn’t mean you can’t thrive in this time and possibly even find better ways of doing certain things. Below, we will discuss some ideas for how to navigate five important areas of life in these uncertain times.
1. Travel
Unless you are in dire need to travel, try not to go too far away from home. Flights, cruises, and international travel should be avoided when at all practical. There will likely be times that you need to go out in public, such as going to get groceries or medicine, but make sure you follow the CDC guidelines for doing so.
Another thing to consider is relocating. If you have an essential move arranged, there may not be much you can do about postponing it. However, you shouldn’t have to physically visit homes you are considering buying. With all the technology available today (e.g., 3D walkthroughs, virtual showings, video-chat tours), you don’t need to violate social distancing or any other guidelines in order to see and purchase a home.
2. Sleep Habits
If you’re losing sleep during the pandemic—either from heightened anxiety and stress or simply from being cooped up indefinitely—you’re not alone. But it’s important to take steps toward getting a good night’s rest, not only for your mental health but also for your immune system. Creating a bedtime and wake schedule, limiting screen time at night, making sleep-promoting changes to your bedroom, and limiting caffeine intake are all ways to improve your sleep habits.
3. Fun and Relaxation
It’s also important to have fun and relax, especially in uncertain times like these. Maybe you‘ve lost your job or are struggling to adjust to working from home with kids in tow. Maybe your young children are bouncing off the walls because they have nothing better to do. Perhaps your household is simply tired of being quarantined. Whatever the case, look for some new fun and relaxing activities to enjoy, and make them a part of your daily routine. If you need some extra help maintaining a positive mindset and attitude, a life coach can get you there. The right coach can help you find clarity and focus during this difficult time.
4. Physical Activity
Along with getting sleep, having fun, and relaxing, taking care of your physical health is essential. Take advantage of all the free at-home exercise resources available on the web, whether it’s following social media fitness influencers, trying online workouts, or practicing yoga to YouTube videos. Carve out a space for exercising at home, and you might find that you like it better than going to the gym!
5. Eating Habit
Finally, diet is critical at any time, but when life changes so drastically, it can be easy to get slack on healthy eating. Make sure you have the ingredients to make healthy recipes for lunch and dinner, and keep healthy snacks accessible. Also, look into getting groceries delivered so you don’t have to venture out to the grocery store.
Yes, the pandemic has changed everyday life for countless people. But there is good that can come out of it. Consider these five areas and see where you can make some changes that can benefit you now and for the long-term.
About the author: Ms. Scott offers a forum where those living with anxiety and depression can discuss their experiences through SpiritFinder.
