Guest Post by Melissa Howard from StopSuicide.Info / Image via Pexels

Even as the pandemic wanes, we continue to live with the changes it spurned. And although the virus caused a tragic loss of life, some positives have come from it. In conjunction with the pandemic, social-distancing guidelines have encouraged people to live virtual lives, which ushers in a whole new era of convenience whether personally or professionally. 

Home Has Become the Office

FlexJobs notes that working from home has become more widespread as companies see that employees can meet work expectations without commuting five days a week. Now that life is returning to a new normal, an increasing number of companies have announced plans to expand remote work.

Overnight, teleconferencing has taken over direct contact to the point that people are holding board meetings via teleconferencing and using videoconferencing to a greater extent.

This shift to remote working has also opened up numerous opportunities for people. This is, in fact, a great time to consider a career switch, especially if you feel that you’re no longer thriving in your current job, have been laid off, or simply just want to work from home for good. 

On the other hand, this also means that competition is quite fierce. For this reason, get a leg up on other career switchers and job searchers by updating your resume. You can use resume templates to create an appealing and professional-looking resume that showcases your skills and qualifications. Once you’ve chosen a template, you can add your own copy, background images, and color scheme.

Online Health Consultations Are Normal

As a result of the pandemic, the digital transformation of health care has dramatically accelerated according to Digital Authority Partners, and care is being accessed by patients differently, reflecting how technology has improved across the country.

Education Became More Accessible Online

Thousands of classes have been moved online to deal with the pandemic, which could provide the foundation for significant long-term changes in education and learning. 

Healthier Lifestyle Habits

Since the pandemic began, individuals have had more time to exercise—even if they exercise at home instead of a gym. With lifestyle changes and better eating habits, people have been getting healthier in many ways during this time. Outdoor activities are the trend, and less time is being spent in front of screens, which can result in improved sleeping patterns. 

Hand washing is another healthy habit that’s likely here to stay. Since it proved effective against the spread of the disease, everyone is much more aware of keeping their hands clean. Sanitizing stations are the norm in many stores, and this change is likely to stick around for the foreseeable future.

Mental Health Challenges

It’s not surprising that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a wave of mental health issues among the public. Whether suffering from addiction, depression, social isolation, or stress, everyone has had to deal with challenges to their mental health. As a result of the pandemic, there have been both benefits and drawbacks to being stuck with family for long periods. Having children attend remote classes for long periods has undoubtedly added stress to families. 

Nowadays, more people – whether singles, couples, families, kids, or seniors – are prioritizing their mental health via self-care. They’re also more open to connecting with mental health providers and counselors to help walk them through these modern issues. 

Online Shopping

There has been an acceleration in the shift towards the digital world and a change in online shopping behavior that may be here to stay. During the lockdown, more people turned to online shopping as a faster, simpler, and less dangerous alternative to going to the supermarket or mall. Similarly, small businesses in communities across the globe have been constantly changing their models to accommodate the changing times and their customers’ needs. For example, curbside pickup, home delivery, and extended hours have been ramped up by many small businesses.

Many Changes Are Here to Stay

COVID-19 has changed the lives of everyone, but the results aren’t all negative. But if you’re grappling with the best ways to cope with lingering stress and are looking to live a life you love, reach out to Dr. Stacy Reuille-Dupont to get back on track. Call 970-422-1761.