It seems that the COVID-19 pandemic is starting to slow down and we are now entering a new normal life. As much as we would prefer to go back to life prior to COVID-19, the reality is that our world has changed and our future will continually change as a result. How much has COVID-19 changed your view on life? Has it changed your purpose in life? – in your work, your relationships, your personal growth, your spirituality, your family life, etc.? Perhaps you might be wondering why some are struggling so much, while others are adjusting to change quite well.
SOME IMPACTS OF COVID-19
COVID-19 impacts us on many levels. You may have had goals and plans for the year 2020 which have been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, e.g. cancelling your overseas trips, postponing your health plans, losing a job or experiencing a salary cut, being unable to buy a house, your business closing down, having virtual weddings or funerals, etc. The lockdown has also impacted many marriages and family relationships. As we know, Domestic Violence and poverty have increased as a result of it. Many feel depressed and anxious about their future.
Yes, COVID-19 has created a lot of uncertainties, but what can we do to make these changes less impacting on our lives?
SOME PRACTICAL STEPS TO MORE EASILY ADJUST TO THE NEW NORMAL LIFE
1. Accept that your life is different now
Accepting that your life is not the same will enable you to accept your losses, and accepting your losses will enable you to grieve your losses and then make changes in your life. Hence, you can accept the new normal life easier.
2. Reassess your purpose in life
Often we set so many goals without being clear what our purpose in life is. So spend some time to ask yourself “What is my purpose in life actually? What is most important in my life? What legacy do I want to leave my children/family/others around me? What contribution do I want to make to my community? What is true happiness and where can I find it?” It will help you to be more grateful for what you have rather than moping about what you have lost. It will also help you to improve your relationship with your loved ones, to increase self-care, to better yourself, to become a more positive person, to improve your spiritual journey, etc.
3. Focus on what you have and do not compare with others
Focus on what you have and list them all, e.g. your strengths and weaknesses, your capacity, your age, your health, your family’s needs, etc. Do not compare with what others have, because this will kill your ability to brainstorm ideas for your new life, e.g. whether you can work part-time at the office and at home, continuing to have at home meals to manage your finances better, etc.
4. Make some changes according to your reality
As you become clear on your purpose in life and list what you have, you will be able to make changes in your expectations on yourself and on others more realistically. E.g. if you have lost your job or business, it will help you to be more open to other possible opportunities, even though it may be different from your passion and expertise. If your boss decides for you to work from, then you may need to arrange your work desk at home to support your work better, etc.
5. Evaluate and make some adjustment as you go
Write down the changes that you aim to make and give yourself a time frame. Then evaluate regularly and make further adjustments as you go.
Remember, you are not the only one who has to make some adjustments to the new normal life!