Essential Advice for Accepting Changes
Have you struggled to accept the ways in which your life has changed after the pandemic? It’s normal to miss the days before the pandemic. Now, however, is the time to embrace the present circumstances, even as mandates are lifted, and make the best of it all. From finding safe things to do in your area to applying for new jobs, you can turn over a new leaf. The following tips from Life After Placement will help you chart a new course.
Tackling Responsibilities
From scheduling doctor’s appointments to helping relatives in need to stopping by the post office, some items on your to-do list can’t be postponed. For families that need to relocate, house hunting can’t be put off! If now’s the time you need to move, you’ll need to review your credit score, gather the necessary paperwork for your lender, look for a great real estate agent, and figure out what you can afford to spend on your new home. If buying isn’t in the cards, you can still find a rental that accommodates your family and your budget.
Finding New Employment
Many industries suffered due to the pandemic, and as a result, countless people found themselves out of work. Perhaps you’re currently job hunting and looking for remote opportunities. If you want to boost your chances of landing a new position, practice your virtual interview techniques! For example, AirSwift recommends testing out your technology, rehearsing your answers to common interview questions in advance, and finding a quiet space where you can speak without interruption.
While looking for a job, you may decide that it’s time for a complete career overhaul. For instance, if you’ve always dreamed of earning your bachelor’s or master’s degree in something like business, there are options you can explore online. This way, you can earn your business degree on your own schedule while still making time for things like your family, your job, and any hobbies that help you unwind at the end of the day.
Don’t forget about the importance of an updated resume to have on hand. You can use a resume template that’s free and available online to produce a slick, professional-grade resume in no time. Plus, once you have all your information in place, downloading the finished product is a snap, and you can either print it out for interview day or send as a digital file to prospective employers.
Remote Work with Kids
Maybe you have kept your job despite the pandemic and its aftermath, but now you’re working from home instead of heading into the office every day. When you have children, this can be a challenging arrangement to get used to!
Older kids have returned to in-person learning during the day, but when you have toddlers, keeping an eye on them while working is a difficult balancing act. Try getting up earlier than usual to get work done before they wake up, and make sure to stay productive during their nap time — this is the simplest way to tackle everything without distractions.
Adopting a Dog
If you’re ready to jump on the pet adoption train, good for you! There are countless benefits to adopting a dog. Not only does having a playful pup require daily walks outside, which will encourage you to move, but dogs can help soothe stress and lower symptoms of depression and anxiety. It’s a win-win!
When preparing to bring home a dog, be mindful about the breed and size you choose based on your living situation. For example, a very large dog might have trouble in a small apartment, though there are several large breeds that do just fine in smaller homes like Rottweilers, Mastiffs and Great Danes. Bear in mind that a larger dog will also require a larger and more durable crate. Whatever you choose, you’ll also need to plan for vet bills, and purchase necessities like food, bowls for food and water, a leash or harness, a collar and an ID tag.
Focusing on Fitness
If you still have extra time at home, you might be looking for a new hobby that you can practice indoors. This is the perfect time to incorporate home workouts into your daily routine! You may not have the same equipment that you would use at the gym, but, as Woman’s Day notes, even doing simple exercises like push-ups, planks, and chair sits can be beneficial to your overall health! Taking walks outside is also a great way to work out while staying safe.
If you’re hoping to lose weight, you may also need to overhaul your diet. For instance, you could challenge yourself to cut out sugar for a few weeks to see how you feel. In addition, you can shop for immunity-boosting foods like citrus fruits, greens, and root vegetables.
Protecting Your Household
Even after the pandemic, even a simple trip to the grocery can feel like a risky excursion, especially in certain regions of the country. Naturally, wearing masks is the easiest way to protect your household from exposure to COVID-19, but what if you have children who don’t like wearing them? Healthy Children recommends encouraging your kids to decorate masks so that they’ll be excited to put them on!
You may have struggled to cope with the countless changes the pandemic brought, but becoming more adaptable and finding the bright side post-pandemic will serve you well. With this advice, you’ll begin viewing this period as an opportunity for a fresh start.
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With over 40 years of combined adoption experience, Life After Placement is moving forward together in providing resources and support for birth mothers. Connect today to find out more!
Author, Gwen Payne