Guest Post by Jennifer Scott
This year seems to be the year of change. With Coronavirus still a threat around the world, we’re all continuing to deal with constant changes in our society, our routines, and our lives. While change can sometimes be just what we need to stay safe, healthy, and happy, coping with change can often seem difficult. If you are experiencing life changes due to COVID-19, here are a few resources and insights that may provide some comfort.
When Change Simply Can’t Wait…
You likely already know that making big decisions or transitions during times of stress is not optimal, but sometimes those big life transitions need to happen and they need to happen now. For example, you may need to move to a new city and buy a new home. While buying a home can be more challenging with COVID-19 restrictions, it can still be possible and 100 percent safe. Most real estate agents have recognized the need for change when it comes to touring and purchasing a home, so take advantage of 3D walkthroughs, virtual open houses, and video-chat home tours to avoid having to interact directly with other people.
When it comes time to move, there are also a few moving precautions you can take to keep you and your family protected from coronavirus. Start by making yourself aware of COVID-19 restrictions in your new state and city, and also be sure to research restrictions for any areas that are on your moving route. Pay special attention to COVID-19 hot spots along the way, and try to avoid stopping or staying for extended periods of time in these high-risk areas.
When Change is Painful or Stressful…
Honestly, there are some COVID-19 changes that simply are not that stressful. For instance, you may have to give yourself a self-isolation haircut. While this prospect may seem scary, the availability of haircut tutorials during the crisis can take the anxiety out of making this small change to your routine. Other changes, however, are much more impactful on your life and can be more difficult to process. If you have lost a job due to coronavirus, you understand this significant difference. Worries about being able to cover bills and expenses, as well as feelings of shame and anger, can make losing a job a very traumatic experience.
Processing this loss is important for being able to move on, but there are financial resources that can help you get through this painful transition. You could use freelance job boards to find remote work and earn income through web design, sales, accounting, writing, or other freelance opportunities. You can also look for financial assistance to reduce anxiety.
When Even Simple Change is Overwhelming…
While smaller pandemic changes may not be as stressful as larger transitions, it’s important to keep in mind that experiencing several of these events at the same time can be just as overwhelming. So, whether you find yourself cutting your own hair or fostering a homeless pet, know that experiencing feelings of anxiety along with feelings of excitement can be completely normal. You can take steps to reduce the anxiety so you can focus on the excitement, however, including preparing your home to keep your foster dog or cat healthy, happy, and out of trouble.
Still, the stress of these changes can really take a toll on your emotional and physical well-being. So also make sure you are taking time for self-care in between dealing with COVID-19 changes. Self-care habits that may help you right now include getting plenty of rest, exercising, and practicing meditation. Flawless Foundation has also compiled some self-care resources, tips, and techniques that can help you navigate this challenging time.
We may still have a ways to go before the COVID-19 pandemic is resolved. So it’s reasonable to expect more changes in the coming weeks and months. While you can’t always control change, you can take steps to brace yourself for it and face challenges in a positive way. Keep this guide to change with you as you do so, and remember to keep faith in yourself.
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