Tools independent contractors can use to cope with life after lockdown
Working in the gig economy during the pandemic hasn’t been easy. With the onset of COVID-19, how we work and interact with one another changed overnight and continues to evolve. As pandemic restrictions lift and vaccination numbers rise, many of us are eager to get back to life as we once knew it. But we also have questions about how to make the transition safely. Here are strategies for moving forward in a post-pandemic world:
Understand that some anxiety is normal
It’s natural to feel nervous about looser public health restrictions. If you’re feeling anxious, focus on what you can control. Seek out reliable sources to help you make decisions, like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or your local health department, and follow the suggested guidelines.
Pace yourself
You may be excited to reenter the world, and with good reason, but be cautious—it’s easy to overschedule and overspend. Slowly reintroduce activities back into your life, so that you don’t burn out or burn through all your cash. If you’re using a pre-pandemic budget and need to change financial strategies, this HuffPost article will help get you back on track.
Practice self-care
Independent contractors rely on repeat business, so staying positive is a must. If the news or social media makes you feel stressed, take a break. Staying informed is important, but it shouldn’t overwhelm you. If your life and your work changed a lot during the pandemic, it’s best to try to accept that things may never be quite the same. Adjusting to your new reality will make it easier to deal with personal and professional obstacles. For tips on managing your mental health during the post-COVID transition, check out this article from Psychology Today.
Act with empathy
New federal guidelines say that fully vaccinated Americans no longer need to wear masks or physically distance indoors or outdoors in most situations. But there is currently no easy way to know who has been vaccinated and who hasn’t, and with businesses, cities, and states creating their own public policies, many people are confused about what guidance to follow. In the coming months, you will likely encounter folks who have different comfort levels than you do when it comes to things like face coverings and social distancing. Try to be sensitive. For information on when vaccinated people should mask up, take a look at this article from Healthline.
Learn how to ease your anxiety
Prioritize activities that help relieve stress. If you stopped exercising during lockdown, start moving again. Exercise can help calm your mind and your body. If you are looking for other simple ways to relieve stress and anxiety, read this article from Healthline.
Find things to look forward to
Change your thinking from what you’re anxious about to what you’re looking forward to. Whether it’s sharing a hug with somebody or traveling on Memorial Day weekend, giving yourself a positive, anticipatory boost is a good thing. It’s imperative to allow yourself to feel joy.