Low-Cost Ways to Cope With Life Changes

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Dealing with life changes can be difficult. As we all adjust to living in a post-pandemic era, there are positive and negative outcomes from this new way of life, whether it’s losing a job or choosing to adopt a pet. On top of personal changes, today’s erratic economy means it’s important to make budget-friendly buying decisions, such as using online coupons when shopping for a new outfit for video chat interviews or meeting clients. Brittani Sade can help, starting with the following coping strategies.

How to Cope

Learning how to cope with major changes is vital. Whether you’ve lost your job or you’re navigating a difficult relationship, it’s important to have a plan for days where you feel overwhelmed to avoid relapse.

First, whether you’re overcoming mental instability like depression or recovering from an addiction, it’s helpful to keep in mind the signs of a possible relapse. Rising stress levels is a major contributing factor, so self-care is crucial during this time according to Psychology Today. Another common trap specifically for those recovering from addiction is denial. If you’re having thoughts of using drugs or alcohol, be honest with yourself and confront those feelings before they take control of your actions.

Be observant of your attitude — loneliness and depression shouldn’t be ignored, so reach out to your support network or research budget-friendly online counselling sessions. And to help you stay accountable, talk to others about how you’re feeling, and don’t feel guilty about your negative thoughts. Try to keep busy and stay productive, and find healthy hobbies that help keep you distracted.

For example, Thrive explains that planting a garden is an excellent way to get fresh air and improve mental health, and is also a low-cost hobby to adopt. You can even enjoy virtual visits to gardens when you need a boost and the weather or other factors prevent you from getting out.

Positive Changes

While some changes may seem overwhelmingly negative, it’s possible to find the silver lining in even the most challenging situations. For example, if the recession has caused you to lose your job, it may feel devastating at first. However, Fast Company notes this could be a great time to reevaluate and consider whether it might be time for a career change.

Embarking on a new career can be empowering, as it can help you regain some control of your life. This is important because the pandemic may cause you to feel like you have little control. Consider your passions and skills, and begin to reimagine what you’d like to do. Get creative with possibilities, and research potential new avenues. For example, if you’ve always wanted to earn a degree in business, you can enroll in bachelor’s or master’s programs and complete the program from home on your own schedule. Compared to the traditional college experience, getting your degree from an accredited institution is much more affordable. Tuition at Western Governors University, for example, runs just over $25,000 for a four-year degree, and scholarships are available.

Shopping Second-Hand

Maybe you need a new outfit for an interview you landed, or perhaps you’re searching for a whole new look to go with your new lease on life. If you’re in the mood for some retail therapy, but you’re on a budget, you want to be smart with your finances. Happily, you can land great deals through online thrift shops, stretching your dollars and making good use of the second-hand economy.

It’s generally safe to purchase a new outfit via the web, but be more careful if you’re investing in a used car. While it’s true that new vehicles lose value as soon as you drive off the lot, second-hand vehicles sometimes have issues that can influence personal expense and safety. Learn what to look for and always give a car a test drive before you commit. 

As you navigate the pandemic during your recovery, remember that there are some positive outcomes even in the most challenging times. If the changes feel overwhelming, reach out to a counselor, your friends, family, and other support groups for help. Overall, remember that the pandemic is temporary, and take this time to focus on self-care and your health.

Connect with Brittani Sade for more tips, information and inspiration for getting through life’s challenges.

— Jason Lewis

Jason Lewis is a personal trainer by day. He specializes in helping seniors stay fit, healthy and injury-free. To make this mission possible, he created Strong Well to be able to share his tips.