In such unprecedented times, we continue to experience many different changes to the ways in which we live and work. We might have hoped that the pandemic would be over by now, but because it’s not, undoubtedly, we’ll have to get even more adept at adapting.
But, on top of job losses, financial uncertainties and worries over our health, we can become swamped by so many anxieties, that we overlook other ways in which we can adapt. If we liken this era to a heavy global snow storm then we start to see our basic needs clearer: our rooftops are visible, but our pathways are snow-laden.
Anxiety is the unhelpful self-narrative that we revert to in times of stress, and it’ll peak and become harder to manage unless we apply further ways in which we can adapt our thinking.
Here are some ideas to help you:
- Allocate time weekly to tidy your home office – especially if it doubles up as your kitchen/spare room. Keep it organised with filing and storage so that during family time, paperwork doesn’t get mislaid.
- Tell your employers what extra support you need: make a list, such as the latest software, and inform them at the start of the month with your changing requirements.
- Feel free to make helpful suggestions to your employers as they’re having to adapt too, and asserting yourselves regularly will ease anxiety.
- At the beginning of each month plan your meals ahead on your calendar to minimise stress.
- Consider buying a chest freezer – take advantage of the sales in order to bulk-store necessities.
- Take regular breaks as though you were at the office/studying, and make sure you eat and rest.
- Allocate recreation time on your calendars. List all the people who you’d normally go out with or visit, and arrange Zoom time with them instead. You could play card games with them, even enjoy a virtual coffee or meal. It is essential to still “see” your loved ones for the sake of your mental wellbeing.
- Review the items that you used to buy: a new suit/new shoes/membership to a club – and save that money instead.
- Consider saving the money you used to spend on work travel.
- Discuss whether you and your partner still need the second car.
- Look at all your outgoings and identify which are no longer applicable – save money.
- Consider learning new skills that could help you make a living such as retraining to be a counsellor.
- List places in your own country that you’ve meant to visit but have just not got around to doing so yet. When restrictions are lifted, you can enjoy taking your family to these attractions without the worry of overseas travel.
I hope these have been helpful!