Guest article provided by www.parentingwithkris.com

The COVID-19 pandemic has made an unprecedented impact on American life. Along with the health concerns and tragedies that have struck our nation, even those of us fortunate enough to maintain our health have had to make significant adjustments to our everyday routines.

Yes, many of the changes have proven inconvenient, to say the least. But many have also proven to benefit our families, boost our overall wellness, and add fulfillment to our lives. And these changes might continue to improve our lives significantly if we embrace them for the long term. Here are three examples:

1. Making Time for Yourself

One way the pandemic has changed our routines is that we’ve been given more time to focus on things that bring fulfillment to our lives. For you, this might mean spending more time with the kids, coming up with creative date night ideas with your spouse, or pursuing a new hobby. The takeaway here is that perhaps you should try to always take time out of your busy schedule to do things that bring joy to your life.

Along with making time for yourself and your family, take this opportunity to restructure your quiet time. Whether you do it early in the morning, late in the evening, or in the middle of the day, make sure you are prioritizing time to simply take pleasure in God, study His Word, and soak in His presence.

2. Reevaluating Your Career

This also may be a season for reevaluating your career. Are you using your gifts and talents in your current vocation? Or is there something better out there for you and your family? For example, maybe you’ve been mulling over a business idea for some time now. This could be an opportunity to get it going.

If you do decide to start a business, one of the first things you need to take care of is establishing a business structure. For instance, forming an LLC can provide you with limited liability, tax advantages, and many other benefits. It’s important to understand the regulations in your state, and you will need to file the Certificate of Formation. Rather than paying hefty attorney fees, you might consider hiring a formation service or handling it yourself.

2. Improving Your Home

If you and your family are spending more time at home, it may be worthwhile to make some home improvements. For example, creating a comfortable workspace, hobby room, and/or outdoor living area can go a long way in making the time you spend at home more enjoyable. Not only does this make your home more welcoming for your family, but it also provides new spaces meant for bonding time or quiet solitude.

3. Keeping It Local

Finally, in a world that is becoming more and more globalized, now is the perfect time to reflect on how we can become more invested in our communities. Consider what local businesses you can support—businesses that pour back into the community and provide jobs for your neighbors. You can also enjoy the benefits of nature by exploring local parks and nearby wooded areas. And, of course, see how you can get involved and build community through your local church.

The COVID-19 pandemic has produced plenty of negative effects, but it has also presented many of us with the opportunity to make positive, long-term changes to our lives. Consider how you can make more time for yourself, your family, and your Creator. Lastly, figure out ways to make your home a more enjoyable place to spend time, and look for opportunities to invest in and enjoy your community.

www.parentingwithkris.com