~by Jennifer Scott
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, you may have been mourning everything you’ve missed out on over the past few months and lamenting the fact that you’ve been forced to make painful changes. Maybe you’ve wondered if anything good could possibly come out of this crisis. Right now, it might seem hard to believe, but the truth is that with the right attitude, you can see the good in a tough situation. Here’s how to use a few changes this pandemic has brought to your own benefit.
Becoming Self-Sufficient
Perhaps you’ve spent a decent chunk of time on DIY projects lately, from planting a small garden to updating your kitchen cabinets. Maybe your first efforts were messy, but over time, you’ve probably sharpened your skills!
Although some local businesses may be reopening near you, it’s still safer to handle certain tasks on your own. For example, it may be a bit risky to go to a salon or barber shop right now, so you could consider giving yourself a haircut at home instead. It’s easy to assume that you could snip away with any random pair of scissors, but it’s better to shell out a little cash for specialized gadgets, like a hair clipper and a hair-cutting mirror.
Buying a Home
You may have cancelled lots of plans since the beginning of the pandemic, but sometimes, you simply need to go ahead with essential business. Maybe you’ve had to provide childcare for a relative, interact with clients and customers for work, or even travel to another state. Or perhaps you were getting ready to move before the pandemic began, so you had to keep house hunting despite the changes in the real estate market.
With support from the right real estate agent, you can still navigate the home-buying process by securing a mortgage and conducting local market research online. You can even scope out homes through your computer or smartphone. For instance, you can go on “tours” by video chatting with home sellers, viewing 3D walkthroughs, or attending public, virtual open houses. Touring homes virtually might feel a bit awkward at first, but if you’re willing to do so, you’ll be able to move sooner.
Making a Career Leap
Lockdowns and revenue losses have led many employers to lay off or furlough workers. If you’re currently out of work, you might be wondering if changing careers could help you find a new position that would be fulfilling and lucrative. Leaving your previous career behind could prove risky, but you don’t want to miss out on the chance to start fresh if you feel like you’re ready to take on something new.
Spend some brainstorming and think about which careers you’ve always been interested in. The Balance recommends thinking about how your values, interests, and skills can intersect. Consider possibilities beyond 9-to-5 jobs, like freelancing. By applying for contracts through freelance online job boards, you’ll be able to land remote work in a variety of industries, including accounting and sales, web design, content writing, social media management, and more.
Bringing a New Pet Home
With your social calendar cleared because of the pandemic, you might have decided that adopting a pet would help you make the most of self-isolation! Helping a new pet adjust to life in your home can take some time and effort, but there is nothing better than having a furry friend by your side every day. If you have recently adopted a new pet, Adopt a Pet recommends deciding on a training method early on so that you can begin teaching your dog skills and tricks right off the bat.
Sometimes, life will bring changes that you never expected. Many of us have faced this reality during the pandemic. But in the end, you may find that those changes were worth it. Accepting that we don’t have full control over a situation is often uncomfortable, but doing so will allow you to grow during trying times.
If you find yourself feeling depressed or anxious during this time, make an appointment with the Lotus Counseling and Wellness Center for a range of therapeutic services including mental health therapy and workshops, yoga, massage, and reiki. Virtual consultations are available for in-state residents.
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