The blogs and the newspapers say that no aspect of American life has remained untouched by the COVID-19 pandemic.

It is true that much has changed. People who are used to regular hours at work are now either working from home or not working at all. Students are not in classrooms. Athletic competitions are canceled and college graduations will take place in the fall at the earliest.

With the shutdown of “nonessential” services, many small businesses are on hold. Workers are furloughed. Some, such as those doing home care, are afraid of the risk their job poses to them and those they care for. Nursing homes are short-staffed, congregate meal sites are closed and the people counting on care and services are shortchanged.

Parenting has never been more of a full-time job than it is right now. They’re anxious about the physical and financial well-being of their families while trying to learn new roles, such as teacher.

As a legislator, it has been frustrating for me to be essentially shut out of regular activities. Teleconferences and virtual meetings have become the norm. No face-to-face meetings with constituents, no visits to see how people are faring, no community suppers or similar events. Everything has been canceled for our safety. No one wants to be the victim of COVID-19.

I am taking this crisis as both a challenge and an opportunity to grow. My aim is to encourage us to think about what is important, what we can do — not what we can’t do. Optimism is good for our health and promotes a healthy immune system, which we all need, particularly now.

With that in mind, I would like to share a few things that I have learned during this crisis, whether in my own life or by talking with my constituents.

Cooking at home can be a fun activity to share with your spouse and children. I have been experimenting with new recipes, looking for the next “keeper.” And if the recipe calls for an ingredient that is not available, I just try to substitute something else.

This pandemic has forced us to slow down. Without sports practices and games to rush to or after-work meetings and other networking events to attend, there’s more time to spend with family and actually have a conversation.

Many of us have discovered that our digital prowess is wanting. How can we use our computers and cellphones more efficiently?

Personally, I seem to be on video conferences a lot more. How do you use the “mute” button? The “raise your hand” button? Change your backgrounds? Now is an opportunity to learn.

A walk outside is good for both adults and children. You may get into conversations with family members and discover who they are and what they are thinking while enjoying our beautiful surroundings.

Learning and teaching can take place almost anywhere. You don’t need a desk, a special room or certain hours. There are many resources online that can be used, and a walk outside gives opportunity to observe nature in many ways.

Many parents will find a new passion for home-schooling while also developing a new appreciation for the hard work that our teachers put in each day.

Students who will soon be looking for a job can use this time to do online research. They have the opportunity to learn about the companies they are interested in — and don’t forget to ask experienced workers and professionals their thoughts. What do they like? What are the drawbacks? How did they get started?

Social contact is very important. If you have family members or friends who live alone, take the time to call or host a virtual meeting so people can still interact with each other and see friendly faces.

At the end of this you will have discovered strengths you did not know you had, and inner resources you did not think you possessed. I know I have. Remember: This too shall pass, and we will all be stronger for it.

Ruth Ward, of Stoddard, N.H., represents District 8 in the New Hampshire Senate.