Our lives have drastically changed in response to the current COVID-19 pandemic. Many of the things that were part of our regular routines that we never thought twice about have been significantly altered or halted entirely. Millions of people are now working from home, kids are learning from home, and many of the businesses we used to visit have closed their doors to slow the spread of the virus. We live in a new world and a new normal, but adjusting to these changes is easier said than done. Thankfully, there are many tools at our disposal and various steps you can take to adapt to the new normal, less strenuous.
Digital Services
We are fortunate that the virus has struck during the digital age when we have a slew of digital services at our fingertips. Though getting used to using digital services instead of our usual in-person versions may be difficult, it is worth making the transition. There is a digital service to fill almost every need, whether you need groceries or just talking to friends.
Many medical offices have significantly limited in-person appointments and have switched to telehealth instead. Patients can continue seeing their doctors and receiving care through telehealth, which keeps both patients and providers safe. A range of medical specialties are using telehealth to great success, so you can painlessly continue your outpatient physical therapy and talk therapy from home. Most telehealth services or apps pride themselves on being simple and easy to pick up, so do not let the pandemic keep you from accessing the medical care you deserve.
Digital services like Amazon Fresh and Instacart can also deliver food or necessary supplies to your doorstep, so you no longer have to venture to the grocery store for essential items. Many restaurants have started offering delivery through apps like Postmates, DoorDash, and GrubHub to keep their doors open while in-person dining is restricted. You can still eat your favorite meals while staying safe at home and supporting local businesses. You can order delivery and make a special night of it by dressing up as if you were dining out.
Socialization is a critical component of happiness. Whether you want to talk to your friends every day or just check in here and there, social distancing orders can make getting together tricky. Thankfully, virtual meetups are a safe and straightforward way to see your friends and family. Set up group phone or video calls so everyone can check-in and feel connected even while social distancing.
Working From Home
Millions of people are now working from home, and while that might sound ideal, it can come with unexpected complications. If you don’t live alone, you will have other housemates to contend with. It can be hard to focus on work while your housemates are watching TV down the hall or your kids want to play in the middle of a meeting. Try and establish quiet hours with housemates so you can focus on work or grab a pair of noise-canceling headphones so you can tune out distractions. You should also set up a real home office. Working from a laptop on your bed or couch technically works, but it is not ideal. Taking the time to set up a desk or dedicated workspace will help keep you in the work mindset, so you remain productive. If possible, buy a second monitor so you are not hunched over your laptop and can easily manage different windows. You should also set a schedule to keep yourself from overworking. Since you are not leaving the office to drive home, it can be easy to work past your regular hours without realizing it. Just because you are working from home doesn’t mean you are obliged to work more than usual, so keep track of your schedule and know when it is time to be done with work for the day.
Adjusting to our new normal is not easy, but by using different tools and services, we can all get through it. Use digital services for telehealth, ordering deliveries, and keeping in contact with your social circle. Take the time to create a proper work from home setting so you can stay focused, but be careful to not overwork yourself by losing track of time. By using these tools and getting used to working from home, you can weather the changes and adjust to our new normal way of life.
