How to Cope with Major Life Changes Caused by COVID-19
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Change is never easy, but it’s especially challenging when it’s forced upon you by circumstances outside of your control. From job loss and a lack of child care to disrupted routines and isolation, everyone’s daily life has become a far cry from what it once was. However, there are healthy ways to cope with all these changes. The Olive Leaf invites you to read on for ways you can continue to find resilience in response to the many challenges caused by COVID-19.
Finding employment
If you’re one of the millions around the world who lost their jobs as a result of the pandemic, it can be hard to imagine competing with everyone searching for work, even a year later. The answer may be to not compete at all but to create work for yourself instead. By leveraging the ever-increasing demand for freelance workers, online services, and internet shopping, you can find creative ways to make a living.
You can find many opportunities by visiting freelance job platforms. Simply create a profile, and then individuals or businesses can hire your services. Whether you’re a web designer, website content writer, accountant, or virtual assistant, registering on a freelance job board can be a great way to earn some extra income and even start your own business. In fact, if you’re of a mind to launch a venture.
If you find a job that requires you to move, then you’ll need to find a new place to live. Fortunately, it’s easier than ever to find an apartment in and around the greater Atlanta area. Many websites allow you to search for apartments by neighborhood, allowing you to find a place to live that’s close — or just down the street! — from your new job.
Working from home with kids
Even if you were employed after the pandemic hit, school closures added a whole new level of complexity to getting work done. Many parents struggled to juggle childcare and homeschooling with the demands of their own full-time jobs. Right now, it looks like school will return to an in-person routine; however, if the Delta variant gets worse, we could be right back where we started with homeschooling front and center. In this case, be sure to work together with your partner (if you have one) so that no one is bearing an unsustainable burden. If both partners are employed, both of your careers are important. Work as a team, take turns, and practice good communication so that you’re able to support one another.
Disrupted routines
Major disruptions to our daily routines were a huge source of stress, and with pandemic cases rising again, those disruptions could make a swift return. If stopping at the grocery store begins to pose a health and safety risk again, consider contacting local farmers, ranchers, bakers, and food producers to see if they offer delivery or safe pick-up options. Supporting local small businesses can be a great way to move toward healthier and more sustainable food choices.
Exercise is another daily routine that was altered by COVID-19. If you no longer have a gym membership, consider hiking, doing yoga, or starting an online workout routine. Try to embrace new stress-relieving exercise routines rather than attempting to recreate pre-COVID ones.
While there is no roadmap for how to navigate the changes caused by the pandemic, you can create a path that leads you toward health and stability. By finding proactive solutions for employment, childcare, and your daily routines, you’ll be headed in the right direction. Just be sure to reach out for support if you need it.