Adam Note: Due to some cool writing projects and work, haven’t had time to sit down and write. Luckily, Jennifer Scott hs me covered. Thanks!
The coronavirus pandemic has changed life in ways we never expected. From lost jobs to lockdowns, almost every aspect of life has been turned on its head due to the virus sweeping the globe. But while the effects of the pandemic are global, they also hit close to home.
Whether you’re on paid leave or on the verge of eviction, the coronavirus pandemic has likely changed your life in some way. And odds are, you’re grappling with how to get through it. While there are no easy answers right now, there are steps you can take to get your life back on track.
If you find yourself with too much time on your hands
For some people, the ample free time that stay-at-home orders have brought has been a blessing. For others, it’s a curse. Too much free time can lead to a lost sense of purpose or disrupt routines, leading to heightened stress. For some people, it can be a trigger for latent addiction problems, whether alcohol or screen time.
The key to avoiding problems caused by idle hands is to find new activities to fill the hours you’d usually be at work. This can be a new hobby, online learning, enrichment activities with the kids, or diving into a new book. The important thing isn’t how you fill your time, but creating a routine that helps you live a healthy, balanced lifestyle.
If you’re newly unemployed
There’s one productive thing you can do to fill your time during quarantine if you’ve lost your job: job hunt. You might assume that a new job is off the table while the world is on lockdown, but there are a number of in-demand jobs that can be done from home. Take personal assistants, for example. With countless people out of work due to COVID-19, many businesses are turning to freelancers to fill gaps in their business. Some of these businesses are looking to hire people who are savvy in creative writing or podcasting, communications, photo editing, data entry, and other routine tasks. If you’re a whiz at communication and organization, this is only one of the many work-from-home jobs you can find during the pandemic using job boards.
If you have to move
Whether you were in the midst of moving when the pandemic started or can’t afford your rent and aren’t protected by eviction moratoriums, it’s possible you could find yourself having to move in the middle of a pandemic. While it’s not an ideal time to move, it’s possible to relocate while respecting social distancing orders. Homebuyers and renters can turn to virtual walkthroughs and 3D tours to shop for their new home, and if you pre-pack, it’s possible to maintain social distance while a small moving crew packs up your home. And since they’re essential businesses, you won’t have any trouble getting utilities and internet set up. Just be sure to schedule services well in advance as many companies are operating with a skeleton crew during the pandemic.
If you’re getting a roommate
Sometimes the problem isn’t moving yourself, but rather, someone else moving in. Whether you’re shacking up with family during the pandemic or have a new roommate scheduled to move in, the coronavirus has made it an interesting time for cohabiting.
In general, it’s best to delay move-ins if at all possible. But if it’s not, take precautions when living with someone new. While you can’t achieve total isolation in a shared home, you can take steps to enforce a self-quarantine for new roommates. You can also set ground rules for how you’ll navigate stay-at-home orders and social distancing rules going forward. While it might be an awkward conversation to have with new roommates, it’s better to set boundaries at the outset than after problems arise.
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It’s normal to feel lost and confused when your entire life has been upended. But while they may not be immediately apparent, most challenges have solutions. Whether you’re facing big changes in life or simply stuck at home and bored, let these tips keep you moving forward during this uncertain time.