Guest post by Jennifer Scott

Wherever you live in the United States, the COVID-19 pandemic has likely had an impact on your life. It could be a direct impact, such as your business being closed down. Or it might be indirect, like your local grocery store not being able to keep certain foods in stock, forcing you to come up with other solutions.

Either way, most Americans made at least a few significant adjustments to their lives in response to the pandemic, and many of these adjustments are likely to stay in place for the long term. And when it comes down to it, is that really a bad thing?

Below, we’ll discuss some of the ways that the pandemic continues to affect everyday routines, as well as the potential long-term benefits that could emerge.

Career Exploration

Needless to say, many people have lost their jobs or have had to make major adjustments to their work routines. While it comes with a learning curve, there are many benefits to remote work, such as flexibility, no commute, and the potential for a better home- and work-life balance. So, if you’ve been asked to telecommute for your company, you might find that it better suits your life. And if you've been laid off or furloughed, now is the perfect time to explore other career paths if you’re unsatisfied with your current one.

Whatever you decide to do when it comes to your work, going back to school could be a great step for your career. Pursuing a degree in an online MBA program, for example, is now more accessible than ever. Along with strengthening your credentials, studying in such a program can boost your knowledge and skills in leadership, business, management, strategy, and many other areas. And it can also teach you how to assess your strengths and weaknesses, as well as enhance your self-awareness.Working with a life coach is something else to consider. A qualified life coach like Dr. Nicolya Williams could help you to make good decisions as you advance your career, along with helping you to figure out how to better manage your time when working from home.

Eating

The pandemic has even changed how we eat. In most areas of the country, restaurants were closed for several weeks or months. And even though many restaurants have reopened, most of them are operating at a limited capacity and have had to add or expand their delivery and curbside pickup offerings. Bold Business notes there are also more grocery delivery and pickup options than ever before.Such services, combined with the more stringent cleaning and sanitation guidelines for business establishments, are likely to remain in effect long after the pandemic. Needless to say, this can add safety and convenience to your dining experience. And by utilizing grocery delivery services, and perhaps even starting your own garden, eating nutritious meals and snacks can be more accessible than ever.

Exercising

Along with your career and eating habits, changes brought about by the pandemic could even benefit your fitness routine. Rather than paying for an expensive gym membership each month, explore the wide array of resources online for at-home exercises. From fitness and nutrition plans to instructional videos to live virtual workouts, you can find a lot of free and inexpensive resources to develop a solid exercise routine without ever having to leave your house.

Sure, the pandemic has caused a lot of inconvenience for many of us. However, some of the changes can actually benefit you if you approach them the right way. Consider how you can improve your career, diet, and exercise routine amid the current environment, and remain open to other adjustments you can make that will enhance your daily life.