During the past couple of years, changes took place. What most people thought of as “normal” was redefined. From face masks to facing financial insecurity, to keeping the kids entertained at home, you probably had to re-adjust your life when coping with the pandemic. Having the right tools to respond to these changes can help you maintain your mental well-being during difficult times.
Managing Stress Levels While at Home With the Kids
Before the pandemic hit, your work and home lives were easier to separate. Going to work meant leaving your house and heading to your workplace while the kids went to school. This changed. Many parents started working from home while their offspring remained in the house relying on online classes for their education. Studies show that working from home while being constantly interrupted forced many people to multitask in a way they weren’t used to. The balancing act between family life and employee responsibility became more blurred.
Meditation, breathing exercises, and paying more attention to the present moment can keep your focus on the task at hand
How can you get help coping with these new challenges raised by the pandemic? You can reduce stress by using some easy-to-access tools, such as mindfulness and muscle relaxation techniques. Meditation, breathing exercises, and paying more attention to the present moment can keep your focus on the task at hand. Seeing a counsellor for evidence-based cognitive behavioural therapy can also improve your well-being and give you the tools you need to cope.
Finding Employment in Uncertain Times
During the pandemic, many people found themselves without a source of income. When the JobKeeper financial assistance ended in March 2021, over 40,000 workers in Melbourne became at risk of unemployment. Finding a new job opportunity after working in the same position for years can be difficult. However, making some changes and taking a few steps can help:
- Review your resume. You can update your CV to be up-to-date with the current job market requirements.
- Further your education. Sign up for some online classes to improve your skills and employability.
- Seek outside assistance. If writing isn’t your strong point, you may want to consider hiring a freelancer who can review your resume and make improvements so that it stands out to potential employers.
Keeping Up With Your Fitness Schedule When the Gym Isn’t an Option
Working out is a great way to help reduce stress and keep your body healthy. In lockdown many gyms were forced to close their doors, leaving customers without that important tool to manage day-to-day life. If keeping fit is an important part of your routine, you can still get the exercise you need at home or in the neighbourhood. If the gyms are closed, simply implementing a daily walking routine can do wonders for your health and help prevent some illnesses. You can also do many types of exercises in the comfort of your own home. All you need is a yoga mat and some motivation.
Learning to Adapt to the “New Normal”
Coping with the Covid-19 pandemic has affected many people and changed daily routines. However, using mindfulness techniques, speaking to a trusted counsellor, exercising, and taking proactive steps toward finding a new job can help you deal with these changes more successfully. Visit Slowist.org for other tips to help you cope during these strange times.
Jennifer Scott is a lifelong sufferer of anxiety and depression. A single mom, she writes about the ups and downs of her mental illness on SpiritFinder.org. The blog serves as both a source of information for people with mental illness and a forum where those living with anxiety and depression can come together to discuss their experiences.