Making Plans during a Pandemic? We Say Yes!

Vaccines are rolling out around the globe for Covid-19, which is excellent for those who wish to be vaccinated. However, considering how many areas around the world are entering new waves and how many places are in some form of a shutdown to bring down the numbers, it will take some time before life returns to how we once knew it.

A lot of plans have been cancelled or put on hold. Living life with a "wait and see" approach is understandable, yet at the same time, it can affect how you cope with living your daily life. The uncertainty can be challenging to process.

Making plans during a pandemic might seem counterintuitive. Continuing to be flexible during these times is still very important, yet at the same time, we need to look forward to something. It is unrealistic to wait until the pandemic is over to start making plans in your life or for your family. Making plans is a good thing to do, as it gives you something to look forward to, and it will help you feel like you have gained some control over your life. It also provides the structure that has been lacking over the past 12 months. Making plans will help you gain control over your life regardless of how big or small they are.

A year ago, the world changed dramatically. We have had to modify a lot and create what the media has termed as the "new normal." Depending on where you live in the world, restrictions will have varied, but it's safe to say, life as we know it is different.

We've had to be flexible and adjust our routines accordingly. We are far from out of the woods with the pandemic, but we feel that it's time to regroup and start safely making plans by compromising and using some creativity.

Starting point 

Before we get started, we would like to acknowledge even though the vaccines are now accessible; safety measures still need to be practiced. If your local area mandates wearing masks, wear them. Always take the recommended safety precautions in your area. When in doubt, look them up in your region.

The best starting point is to look at what is directly within your control. We already know the things we can't do at this moment in time, so it only makes sense to come to terms accepting it and focus on moving onto what you can do instead. We have the cup half full attitude. It is how you look at the situation that matters, so being positive is essential.

Categorize your plans 

Some plans do need to wait until the pandemic ends. Some can happen sooner. If you are looking to have a wedding with 500 guests at a banquet hall, that can still happen, but you most likely will need to plan that one out further down the road. If you and your fiance want a wedding with a small headcount, that can probably happen quite quickly.

The goal is to be realistic and mindful of what is happening in your local area. It makes planning something easier to accomplish.

Make a list of the things you want to do and the goals you would like to accomplish and categorize them as short-term or long-term. Your list can have everything on it, from going on a small getaway for the weekend to planning your dream vacation; or redecorating your home & making improvements to selling it and moving to a new area. If you are interested in a topic that you think would be worth pursuing, now would be an excellent time to take an online course and test the waters before diving in and enrolling in a program.

get creative with your plans

If you are currently living in a restricted area, you might want to go sightseeing and do things outdoors rather than visit a museum. Have a picnic in a park with a special meal you've prepared or have ordered from your favourite restaurant. If you miss your old book group, there is no need to stop. Everyone can get together online and bring their favourite cup of coffee or tea to the event. Your small getaway could include a hike or a car ride so you can enjoy the scenery and make small stops along the way and save the airport for another time. It's doable; you just need a different approach or a different way of looking at things. If you have goals, make a chart, cross it off with colourful stickers & markers, and display it to see the accomplishment. 

Some areas have opened up and have fewer restrictions; if you live in those areas, you have more choices, which means you can adjust the size of your plans accordingly. Eventually, we will all be able to do this. However, it's not good to live in limbo while waiting for things to change. Look at what is within your control and take the wheel.

Bene Vivere!

Gioia Well Team 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

THE GIOIA WELL TEAM The Gioia Well Team provides a panoramic view of wellness for the modern individual & family, showing our readers how to grow, learn and navigate their world with joy.