As the world began to re-open, a new wave of stress and anxiety followed. Perhaps you’re feeling it now. Adjusting to the new normal isn’t exactly as easy as flipping a switch. You may be asking yourself questions like:
— How can I stay calm knowing I have to go back to work when the pandemic is still ongoing?
— What if I get sick because I leave the house?
— Where do I send my kids for childcare now that my office is open, but school is still closed?
— I still can’t pay my bills – what do I do now?
— I lost my job because of coronavirus, how can I cope?
Perhaps you can relate. We’re all dealing with new obstacles and issues, and it can feel heavy and difficult to manage all the moving parts Covid-19 has caused. While these tips aren’t the end all – be all, hopefully, the suggestions that follow will help in some way.
1. Control what you can
This may feel like a simplistic approach, but the reality is, we can’t control everything, and trying to do so is just going to make matters worse. You can control whether or not you wear a mask and continue washing your hands to feel safer. You can continue social distancing even as people start socializing again. You can continue applying for unemployment and government assistance to get you through the tough times.
Consider the things you can actually do during this time, and do them. Sometimes just taking back control, even in the smallest circumstances, can empower us and help us feel better.
2. Ask for help with what you can’t control
If your place of employment re-opens and you need help with childcare, for example, ask friends and family. Ask to work from home, or seek a new position where you can work from home. Remember that we’re all going through our own struggles, and you’re not alone. The best way for all of us to come out of this positively is to work together and help one another where we can. If you need to ask for extra help, it doesn’t mean you did anything wrong or that you have failed. It’s okay to reach out to others.
3. Don’t shy away from your feelings or feel guilty for having them
While each of us has our own struggles, and it would be ignorant to believe they are the same struggles, it doesn’t make any person’s feelings more valid or more important than another’s. If you are used to making $100,000 a year and are suddenly making $50,000 instead, it’s okay to be upset about it. If you were barely making ends meet and are now on unemployment and food stamps, it’s okay for you to be upset too. We’re all adjusting to the new normal, and our feelings about our situation – no matter what that means – are relevant.
Take care of yourself and look forward to better days
This goes back to the first tip of controlling what you can. The most important thing is to do the best you can, and take care of yourself first. Things are hard right now, and they will be for a while, but they will get better. Keep looking forward to the better days ahead, and take everything one step at a time. Until then, here are some additional resources that may help:
— Coronavirus resources from Benefits.gov
— Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19
— How to stay fit and healthy during coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic
— 9 Ways To Stay Happy and Healthy During a Pandemic
— If you need assistance finding food, paying housing bills, or other essential services, visit 211.org and use the search bar. Or, dial 211 on your phone to speak to someone who can help.