COVID-19 has drastically changed everyday routines for billions of people around the world. While each household’s situation is unique, that change of routine is something we all have in common. Those major changes can be challenging (if not overwhelming), but if you commit to making the right adjustments, you can stay positive and thrive through the pandemic. And who knows, maybe you will pick up some new habits and create new circumstances for yourself that you prefer once the pandemic is over.

To help you get some ideas flowing, here are a few responsibilities that you can’t ignore during the pandemic, along with some areas where you can make changes that benefit you and those around you:

Must-Do’s During COVID-19

There are some tasks that need to be fulfilled despite a worldwide pandemic going on. However, you will likely need to tweak how you do them in order to stay safe and healthy. This might include wearing a face mask, abiding by social distancing guidelines, washing your hands, and using a disinfectant.

For instance, since everyone needs food, trips to the grocery store are essential, but you want to make sure you limit how often you go. Also, if you have urgent medical appointments, you don’t want to miss them, and you don’t want to miss work if your employer is still open in a physical location.

Moving homes is another task that often cannot wait. And even though the real estate industry has changed how they do things, Redfin explains that technology makes it possible to buy a home in the COVID-19 era. Through virtual open houses, video chat tours, and 3D walkthroughs, you can still see tours of homes all across the country.

Career

If you’ve been laid off or had your hours cut, you are probably in a position where you need to find solutions fast. Evaluate your interests and skills, and look into doing freelance work. Online job boards are a great place to get your name out there, and companies use these sites to find qualified workers across a wide range of industries. You might even like freelancing more than your previous job, or find an opportunity to start a new career.

Fitness

Since they are nonessential businesses, fitness centers across the country have shut their doors for the time being. If you are used to working out around people, it can be hard to get motivated to exercise at home. But the truth is there are a lot of workouts you can do from home, many of which are free. And if you make space or even build a home gym, you could find that you prefer the convenience of exercising in the comfort of your own home.

Diet

Eating habits are something else that could easily fall to the wayside during the pandemic if you’re not careful. But take this opportunity to try new methods of getting healthy food. As Verywell Fit points out, there are many grocery and meal delivery services to choose from, and a lot of restaurants have embraced delivery services as the new norm. Of course, if you need immediate groceries, going to the market yourself might be your only option. Even so, find a store that offers curbside pickup.

There’s no getting around the fact that COVID-19 has made life harder for a lot of people. But there may be a silver lining in certain areas of your life once you make some adjustments. Just be sure to take all the necessary safety precautions and keep an open mind about changes in your routine, and maybe you will discover things about your new life that you prefer to the old ways.