COVID-19 and Mental Health

How COVID-19 Has Affected Our Lives and How to Cope

Guest article by Rufus Carter

It has become obvious that the COVID-19 pandemic has changed life as we know it in many ways. From how we work and provide for our families to how we think about the future, there is a lot to take in, and even with the pandemic winding down, things remain challenging for many of us. So today, Integrative Mental Health Center offers some tips and resources to help you cope with this ongoing situation.

How We Work Has Changed

Anyone who was in the workforce prior to the pandemic knows that how we work has changed drastically. Prior to the year 2020, finding a job where you worked remotely from home was almost unheard of, but this has changed completely, and now, due to safety concerns and social distancing, more people are working from home than ever before.

If you are still working in an office with other employees and you do not feel as safe and healthy as you would like, then ask management for the chance to work from home. You can set yourself up for success by making an office space that is quiet but organized, where you can complete your work with few distractions. If you have this space set up ahead of time, then you can tell your boss that you are already prepared for remote work.

Unfortunately, due to safety concerns, many businesses that could not have a remote workforce were forced to close their doors and many employees were laid off. If you are still struggling to find a job as COVID-19 winds down, then you should update your resume and send it to many different companies.

Or, if you’ve always wanted to start your own business, now is the perfect time. Since the start of the pandemic, many people have been able to realize their dreams of entrepreneurship, and you can too. With in-demand skills or a stellar business idea, all you need next is a business plan, funding, a digital marketing strategy and a business structure. An LLC can be the ideal choice in the beginning since it offers many tax advantages as well as personal asset protection.

Everyone Under One Roof

Before the pandemic, it was normal to have the kids go to school during the day while one or both parents left for work, so there wasn’t as much commotion in the house. Now, with many schools still doing e-learning when children have to quarantine and parents working remotely, everyone continues to find themselves under one roof, which can make things cramped and stressful inside the house.

While we’re making inroads with the pandemic, there is still a way to go until we return to normalcy, so if your house is too small for your large family, then it may be imperative that you move. However, while you may be in a rush to move, you don’t want to just buy any property without thinking about if it is the right place for you. Before deciding on a place, take the time to look at housing trends within your neighborhood and beyond to make sure you are spending your money wisely.

Stress Is the New Normal

Because of the employment and home situation that many of us face, many people are more stressed than ever before. While it is natural to feel overwhelmed, it’s important to make an effort so it doesn’t affect your mental health or the happiness of your family. If you need help, try taking time for yourself by practicing yoga or meditation, and if you still experience anxiety then you may want to see a therapist.

More Adopted Pets

The pandemic has seen an exponential increase in the number of pet adoptions in the last few years, and many families are reaping the benefits of having a dog or cat. Owning a pet helps minimize stress, lowers blood pressure and offers both mental and physical benefits.

If your family has decided to join the wave of new pet owners, good for you! That extra unconditional love and the chance for bonding with your new pet can offset some of the fears and anxiety we continue to navigate. When preparing for a pet, you don’t have to spend a fortune, but you want to have the right gear. Necessities can include a leash, collar, litter box, crate, food and water dishes, ID tags and toys. Other items can be beneficial too. If you adopt an older pup, a raised bed and a heating pad can keep them comfortable, while a kitten will do well to have a cat tree and scratch pads.

In the end, if you are uncertain about this new normal, then know that you are not alone. Every day gets us closer to the day when the pandemic is truly behind us, and we will make it through together.

Integrative Mental Health Center is a space where practitioners work as a collaborative team to provide high quality integrative health care. The practitioners of IMHC each have their own niche within the mental health field, and some offer unique services, such as acupuncture, craniosacral therapy, or IV therapy. They can work as a team to provide holistic mental health care. The practitioners may consult on your case in order to gain better insight into effective treatment options. Call 480.426.8040.