The effects of the COVID-19 panic have caused massive changes to our daily lives, changes that often happened rapidly and abruptly. Life adjustments often come with a wide range of experiences and emotions. Sometimes that transition can feel smooth and other times that adjustment is choppy. Here are some tips and tools for coping with the adjustment post-pandemic:

1. Adjustment is a process that looks different for most people. This process is not linear or well-defined. Patience and flexibility are really important.
   1. Please be respectful of where you are in the process (some self-compassion can go a long way) and also of where others are.
   2. It’s okay to be curious about where your friends, family, and others are in their process and to seek to understand their wants and needs at this time. Don’t forget to tell them what you want and need too!
2. Setting a routine can be really helpful! In addition to doing your schoolwork, make sure to schedule time for your physical and emotional health, fun, creativity, social connection and stress relief.
3. It’s okay to set boundaries, even with family members, friends and professors.
4. As you think about your plans for adjusting to life post-pandemic, make decisions that are informed by your values. How can you get back to living your life without ignoring or compromising your values? There are several guides to help identify your values (Values Checklist by Russ Harris, for example). Consider what your four or five most important values are and consider how to incorporate them into your adjustment process.

COVID-19 Adjusting Resources Resources:

1. Mayo Clinic COVID-19 and your mental health resource
2. Jack Kornfield pandemic mindfulness resources
3. YouTube Video: Resiliency While Social Distancing and KUMC Resiliency While Socially Distancing Document
4. University of Michigan’s CAPS pandemic resources
5. Coping with grief