Life After COVID-19 – the New Normal?

There is no question that the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted nearly everyone across the world. Many people lost their jobs. Most people have been under some type of lockdown or stay-at-home order. You may even know someone who contracted the virus. 

Needless to say, this pandemic has changed the way the world works. Instead of going back to normal, many believe that we will have to face a “new normal.” Of course, no one is entirely sure what that looks like yet. 

As most states in the U.S. are starting to slowly re-open, it can be both exciting and a bit stressful to step back out into the real world. This is an adjustment period, as times are still so uncertain. 

So, what can you do to embrace the new normal and feel a bit more like yourself again after rigid COVID shutdowns?

Don’t Immediately See People as a Threat to Your Health or Wellbeing

If there was ever a time to have faith in humanity, it’s now. There are so many other things going on in the world, that it’s important to be supportive (and accept support) from co-workers, neighbors, friends, and family. 

Is it still a good idea to practice safe habits? Of course. If you feel more comfortable keeping a distance, wearing a mask, etc., that’s exactly what you should do. But, don’t see your neighbors and friends as people who are a threat to your health. If all of us started to view people that way, no one would ever congregate together again. Relationships would be torn, and that’s a “new normal” no one wants to have to live through. 

Get Used to Workplace Differences due to COVID-19

While many people have lost their jobs due to COVID-19, others have been able to work remotely from home. That might become the new norm for many workers. If your business is thinking about making the switch to remote working, it’s important to prepare yourself. 

While working from home has plenty of perks, it takes a lot of dedication to make it work. Establish a schedule and routine for yourself at home. Make sure you have a designated workspace that is away from the rest of the family and set specific working hours for yourself. 

It’s essential to have a strong work-life balance, and that isn’t always easy when you’re working from home. So, if that’s what you have to do in the wake of this pandemic, try to make your workdays as consistent as possible. 

Enjoy the Things You Used To Before COVID-19

The threat of the novel coronavirus hasn’t magically gone away. Most states are being very cautious about how they reopen. That means people are continuing to practice social distancing and wearing masks in public. 

Eventually, everyone would like to see things return to the way they once were. That may happen, or it may look different from what you’re used to for a long time. 

In any case, don’t be afraid to enjoy life again. Get out and have fun doing some of the things you used to love. That includes spending time with the people you care about. Give yourself permission to safely and intentionally embrace little pleasures. This has been a stressful and uncertain situation for everyone. Finding different ways to relax can make a big difference in how you feel. 

Find Some Support

If you’re struggling to cope with life after COVID or you still have concerns about what’s next, you’re not alone. Having a support system or someone to talk to can help you sort out your feelings and emotions, and overcome your fears. 

So, feel free to contact me for more information or if you need some help getting through the impact COVID-19 has caused. Together, we can work on the steps you should take to regain some sense of normalcy in your own life without living in fear. Remember, this pandemic won’t last forever. Eventually, life will return to normal – or, a new normal. In the meantime, staying as focused on a sense of normalcy as possible and learning how to deal with these challenges is the best way to get through this.

I know how stressful and demanding it can be to make changes in your life, but you don’t have to figure it out on your own.   Some of the benefits of individual therapy include:

• Having a safe, confidential space to work through life’s struggles
• Speaking openly with a highly-trained professional
• Learning to be curious about oneself and become more mindful about your choices
• Identifying relationship patterns that are helpful, or existing patterns that are interfering with your growth and wellbeing.
• I offer online therapy (video conference style of therapy), which provides an increased level of comfort as you could meet with me from the privacy and comfort of your own home or other location.

*** The tips offered in this article are for general information and should not be considered medical or psychological advice. For more personalized recommendations appropriate to your individual situation, please contact us or obtain professional guidance.

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