Now that more and more states are slowly opening up, chances are you’ve heard the term the ‘New Normal’, if you’re feeling overwhelmed and unsure about what’s to come, have no fear, we’re all new to this. Coping with the New Normal is all about accepting that things aren’t going to go back to the way they were before the world went on lockdown. Economies are struggling, majority of jobs are now done remotely and social distancing practices are still very much in place. But, what does this mean for you and your work? With companies like Google and Amazon extending work from home arrangements till later this year, it’s clear that companies are changing with the times and are trying to find new ways to adjust to the New Normal. Chances are you’ll be forced to be more flexible in terms of nearly every aspect of your life, not just work. With this sudden need to cope and adjust quickly, how can you ensure that you aren’t left behind and on top of your game? With these 3 simple ideas we hope to provide you with some advice that could give you a little peace of mind and hopefully a healthier outlook on what’s to come.
Manage Your Expectations
With things quickly changing and evolving each day, you might find yourself a little overwhelmed. The reality of it is, a big part of adjusting to the New Normal is about letting go and starting fresh, letting go of the past and taking an initiative to move forward. When we say you’ve got to manage your expectations, we mean that you have to get used to things being different. From the nearly non-existent post-quarantine nightlife in Japan to proposed one way sidewalks in Canada, it’s clear that all across the world people are changing their daily lives to lower the risk of transmission. Get ready to work more flexibly and remotely, accept that simple things such as dining out might not be possible, travel might not be possible for another year and public concerts for even longer. And while some argue that the New Normal may be temporary until a vaccine is found, it’s better to be prepared than to wait aimlessly for something that isn’t even here yet. You have to be practical without being too cynical and hopeful without being too naïve. Focus on what you can do in your current situation, this will take your mind off the sudden uncertainty in the world. And while that may seem like a lot, managing your expectations can help you adjust and cope better for what’s to come. Remember when it comes to work, you may be expected to be flexible but your own personal health should be your highest priority.
Keep Tabs on your Mental Health
As the New Normal approaches, you are dealing with the loss of what used to be, with that could come feelings of anxiety and depression. According to the Washington Post, COVID-19 has brought about an increase in mental health cases, with the youth being the most effected. While it’s important to ensure that you stay productive at work it’s important to remember that you aren’t just working from home, you’re working from home during a global pandemic. In such uncertain times, it’s clear that feelings of uncertainty and loss are prevalent. Be sure to be kind to yourself and give yourself a break. Using work as a distraction might help calm your restless mind but if you don’t take time to focus on yourself and your mental health you could be putting your work and your mental health at risk. Try to take it one day at a time and remember that reaching out to healthcare professionals or online counselors might help you navigate your emotions during this uncertain time. There is no shame in asking for help, if you deal with your problems now, your chances of success and productivity are higher.
Prepare to be Practical and Prudent
The world may be slowly opening up but social distancing is still a big part of tapering the transmission of COVID-19. Pay attention to the WHO (World Health Organization) guidelines on wearing face masks and staying at least six feet apart from others, these small acts could be the difference between putting yourself at risk and keeping yourself safe. Just because states are opening up, doesn’t mean your risk for infection has lowered, flattening the curve is all about ensuring that the state can handle multiple cases not preventing it. Be practical when it comes to going outside and be prudent when it comes to interacting with other people, especially strangers. It’s better to be safe and cautious then reckless and sick.
These are just a few practices you can apply to help you ease into the New Normal, remember it’s important to be informed of guidelines and laws in your area to assure that you and your community are safe from another possible outbreak. For more tips on health, lifestyle and more feel free to visit the Flexiwellness Center.
