Dr. Eboni Green
October 14, 2021
With vaccination rates up and cases dropping, many of us are struggling with the notion of how best to reenter the world after months of isolation and personal and financial stress. While the world is certainly different on many fronts, we’re all emerging from an unusually trying time. Especially caregivers. As such, to rebuild personal confidence in life and get back to a new version of “normal,” special care needs to be taken. Caregiver Support Services shares a few:
Have you been holding in your angst as a way of getting through the pandemic? If so, you aren’t alone. Many people have moved from one day to the next simply trying to hold it together with uncertainty swirling about. Maybe you’re caring for others, struggling with finances or work, or trying to juggle a remote career with kids at home. Now that the dust is beginning to settle, it’s okay to take a breath and assess the situation in a new light. If you’ve been ignoring the building stress, it might be time to step back, decompress, and make a plan for moving forward in a mentally and emotionally healthy way.
Few people have made it through the pandemic unscathed, particularly from a financial standpoint. Maybe you or a spouse suffered a job loss, or you’re continuing to struggle to manage caring for a senior loved one. Maybe you have bills that have piled up that you’re struggling to pay down. If you haven’t already talked to your creditors, MSN recommends reaching out and asking for help. Many are offering deferments and other support options that can give you a little breathing room while you work things out. Sit down and determine your total monthly expenditures and compare it to your monthly income to create a budget you can work with.
If you’re in over your head financially, consider debt consolidation. Also look into the amount of equity you have in your home. You may be able to refinance your mortgage so you’re paying less each month, and you might also be able to cash out some equity and apply it toward your bills.
You could even tuck away this extra cash to make you feel more financially secure. This approach can substantially reduce your monthly debt load, which can go a long way toward reducing financial stress. Consult a reputable lender to ensure you’re aware of your options and can make the best choices based on your unique circumstances.
It’s been difficult, in recent months, to envision what the future will look like. As the world starts making its way toward recovery, it’s time to shift focus and start being confident and optimistic about a return to normalcy. Make an effort to look for positive things going on around you. Start to meditate with positive affirmations, and take control of your future. Maybe that means returning to school, looking for a new career path, or otherwise rededicating yourself to your current profession.
If you’ve avoided socialization, look for ways to re-engage safely, in a way that’s comfortable for you. Exercise is always beneficial as well, so add some new fitness wear, a pair of headphones, and some gym shoes to get yourself moving!
Looking a bit further ahead, consider going back to school to wrap up your education. Whether you’re rounding out the requisite credit hours needed for an unfinished degree or starting anew, studying online is a smart investment, as it’s much more convenient and more affordable than attending in person on campus. Programs like those offered at University of Phoenix range from associate’s all the way to doctoral degrees; your only limitation is an internet connection and the time, which is even easier to come by when you take coursework online.
The COVID-19 pandemic has been a most unprecedented point in history, and it has had a number of detrimental effects on our personal, professional, and societal outlooks. Take the time to regroup, reevaluate, and move forward with life. If you’re continuing to struggle, reach out to your primary care provider for advice, or connect with Caregiver Support Services. Keep in mind, you aren’t alone in your feelings, but working collectively as a society, we will rebound and eventually be stronger than before.
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Content provided by Harry Cline. Harry is creator of NewCaregiver.org and author of the upcoming book, The A-Z Home Care Handbook: Health Management How-Tos for Senior Caregivers. As a retired nursing home administrator, father of three, and caregiver to his ninety-year-old uncle, Harry knows how challenging and rewarding caregiving can be. He also understands that caregiving is often overwhelming for those just starting out. He created his website and is writing his new book to offer new caregivers everywhere help and support.
