How to Face Major Life Changes During the Coronavirus Pandemic
People across the globe are making significant changes in their daily lives. From adjusting to being at home more often to managing changes in housing and employment, there’s so much happening that it can be tough to navigate. Here, we’ll look at the major life changes you might be facing — whether by choice or force — and how to handle them.
Address the Things That Can’t Wait
For many families, tasks or changes may be able to wait until everything settles post-pandemic. But in some cases, some things just can’t wait.
For example, if you must move your household during this tough time, you may not have much time to delay. The good news is that if you absolutely must move, it’s still possible to buy a home or rent an apartment. Buying a home during coronavirus might involve virtual tours and 3D walk-throughs, but it’s possible to do so while staying safe.
Another example of things that can’t wait includes the birth of a new child. Giving birth during the pandemic may not be ideal, but you will need to adjust to rules about visitor restrictions and procedural changes in the delivery room.
Should you welcome a premature baby or have a child with health challenges, it’s important to know about NICU practices as well. Having a baby in the NICU is never easy, but the pandemic is also affecting how hospitals handle visits and infant testing.
Bringing Home a New Companion
If your family is growing in other ways — mainly, with furry members — you might find that adjusting is easier than you imagined. Pet adoptions have increased exponentially, despite shelter closures and social distancing rules. And pet ownership can enhance your life.
However rewarding adopting a pup or cat can be, you also need to think ahead to post-COVID-19 life. Pets are a long-term commitment, and they can be expensive. Experts caution against making impulse adoptions, however cute that doggy in the window may be.
Working Remotely: One Day at a Time
Many “non-essential” businesses have sent their workers home for the duration of the lockdown. But for many employees, that only means working from their home office rather than a company cubicle. For families especially, working from home can be a significant adjustment.
As CNBC’s veteran remote worker explains, working from home requires a mental shift. It also takes preparation in terms of setting up your office space and getting the tech tools you need. Setting boundaries and sticking to a routine can help you make the most of your workday, and addressing ergonomics helps prevent physical pain.
Teaching Children at Home (Virtually)
Although plenty of American families choose to homeschool, parents whose children typically attend brick-and-mortar schools have been thrown for a loop. Between social isolation practices and the need to go virtual for education, both everyday homeschoolers and distance learners face difficulties[KM1] .
Experts at Harvard Health recommend keeping your kids to a routine to ensure the least amount of disruption possible. Getting creative with connection to friends is also crucial, as well as addressing emotions on the topic of the shutdown and the events surrounding it.
Empathy and a willingness to answer tough questions can go a long way toward connecting with[KM2] — and supporting — your children. In terms of their education and personal growth, keeping an open mind — and open dialogue — are vital.
Living through a pandemic is tricky in many ways. Fortunately, there are helpful strategies for managing even the biggest obstacles to staying safe and comfortable. With the right resources and mindset, you can address every COVID-19 challenge with confidence.
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