Navigating & Adjusting to the New Normal

Life

Sep 7

Every now and then, I find myself wishing that life could just "go back to normal.” You know, life pre-pandemic? Where we could hug friends and family without consideration for social distance, shop and travel mask-free, and everyday life and work just seemed a little less heavy. Remember those days? Well, now we’re six months into the pandemic and while quarantine may be “over” in most places, the pandemic is still prevalent, creating new social norms and ways of living.

Whether you agree or disagree with the way this pandemic is being managed and handled, you can’t deny that this has changed the way that we do life as we know it. Before this time, I never knew how much I took life, health, family, provision, and everyday luxuries for granted. Maybe you feel this way too — grateful for the present, longing for the normalcy of the past, but sobered by the reality that the future won’t look the same. The truth is, we will never be the same and while we can bank on the fact that COVID-19 does have an end date, we have to learn how to effectively adapt and cope with the present. So how can we navigate this new normal?

Declare your boundaries.

We all have different ideas and levels of comfort when we consider how we want to re-enter into this post-quarantine world. While you won’t agree and be able to control the actions of everyone around you, you can honor yourself by setting boundaries that will work for you. Whether that is deciding whether you want to go back to work, send your kids back to school, or host Christmas dinner at your house, you get to decide. While it’s important to still consider others, don’t be afraid to draw the stick in the sand. Declare your boundaries and decide what you will and won’t tolerate moving forward. You’ll thank yourself later by guarding yourself and preventing potential bitterness and resentment from growing later.

Protect your well-being.

The problem with most self-care strategies is that they tend to cater to a part of you rather than the whole you. Don’t forget your well-being includes your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Yes, move your body every day, get adequate rest, and journal your thoughts and fears, but also consider other ways you can tend to the whole you. Research new supplements that will boost your immune system and gut health. Moderate your news and social media consumption. Don’t be afraid to try therapy. Dig deeper into the Word like never before. We were created as multi-dimensional, holistic beings. Every part is important and must be treated as such. Tend to it. Protect it. Especially in this season.

Set realistic expectations and goals.

So much has changed this year. For many of us, work has changed, our family dynamics have changed, and the way that we do and live life has changed, so why do our goals have to stay the same? If your environment or season of life is no longer conducive to the goals you’ve set at the beginning of the year, don’t be afraid to make some adjustments. Remember, one of the keys to achieving your goals is to make sure that they are relevant and realistic. There’s no need to commit to what you don’t have the mental, emotional, spiritual, or physical capacity for. Set realistic expectations and adjust your goals accordingly.

Related Reading: Setting Goals That Are In Season

Bonus: Give yourself grace.

At the end of the day, we’re all doing the best we can. Give yourself grace. Your output may not look the same in this season, and that’s okay. Know what is and isn’t yours to handle in this season. Ask yourself where God is calling you to focus your effort, energy, and attention. For some, this may be a season of doing, but for others, it may be a season of resting or healing. Whatever you do, release the pressure to prove. Do what God is calling you to do, and let go of the rest.

We are navigating unprecedented times and that navigation requires us to have the resilience to pivot and adjust as needed. The reality is that life may never go back to normal and we must be prepared to adapt to whatever the new normal may be. That may look like setting new boundaries and preserving yourself more in this season. It could like managing your expectations and adjusting your goals. Regardless of how you’re navigating this season, don’t forget to tread lightly and give yourself grace. You’re going to need that grace and resiliency to boldly face whatever is ahead.