The Impact of COVID-19 on Our Lives and How We're Handling It
The coronavirus pandemic is not the first that humans have encountered. And with each new incident, we learn something new, and our lives are changed forever. What is different about COVID-19 is that it’s hitting us in a time when we are more connected than ever, and our collective ingenuity is shining through in many ways, both big and small.
Mental Health
Because of our digital world, we know almost instantly when something happens. Every new coronavirus-related incident is recorded online, and the media reports on the condition around the clock. This, combined with stay-at-home orders and widespread economic concern, has led to a sharp uptick in mental health concerns. Panic attacks are unsettlingly common and, alarmingly, have many symptoms in common with the virus. Suffering through a panic attack can leave you struggling to breathe and fighting a rapidly palpitating heart, similar to coronavirus.
Telemedicine has made a huge difference during the pandemic, and online counseling sessions have made mental health care available to the masses. Many people are also now turning to online communities to talk about their concerns, and these new connections are likely to last well beyond the threat of coronavirus.
Self-Care
The way we take care of ourselves has changed dramatically since the vast majority of places like salons, spas, and fitness centers were or are still closed. People have taken to self-care as a solo act seamlessly. Many of us are now spending more time than ever cleaning our homes, which is an excellent way to reduce stress and eliminate germs. Humorously, we’ve also grabbed the scissors and shears and started cutting our own hair.
Housing Crisis?
It is too early to tell how the real estate market will be impacted in the long-term. For now, as Redfin explains, prices are starting to drop, and buyers might not feel quite as at home visiting other people’s houses. Stay-at-home orders in areas where real estate is not considered an essential service have also started to slow housing sales of both new and existing construction.
Layoffs and job loss also contributes to what will hopefully be a temporary lag in home sales. Many people are putting off buying until they know the status of their furlough or obtain new employment. However, something to keep in mind for those in this situation is that it is possible to continue with the buying process and enjoy low interest rates despite a layoff. FOX Business explains that some lenders will move forward for buyers that will go back to work quickly, have a strong credit score, a low debt-to-income ratio, and have made a significant down payment.
If you’re on the selling side of the market, you can move that along as well by offering innovative ways to view your home. Virtual tours, video chat walkthroughs, and 3D models are just a few of the ways realtors have overcome social distancing.
Pandemic Pets
In April, the Associated Press published a story simply titled, “Pandemic leads to [a] surge in animal adoptions, fostering.” It was and remains a bright spot during the chaos. As we shelter in place, people are adopting animals as companions to ease anxiety throughout our shared ordeal. Those who are bringing in a new furry family member are forging bonds that will last for many years to come, and they will have better lives because of it.
The virus will end, but its legacy will live on. How we react and make changes to our lives to cope with the new world we live in will affect our memories of this time. These are just a few examples of the way things look different now, but they serve as a strong reminder of the perseverance of the human spirit. They can help us remember that we are malleable and capable of change when change is needed.