We know that the last few months have been difficult, stressful, and sometimes even depressing for all. COVID-19 has changed the way we look at viruses, sneezes, restaurants, our homes and how and where we work. It has completely shut down the whole world - we are facing uncharted territory.
Have we gained anything positive from this experience? Do we want to go back to “normal”?
Our hope is that a new normal will have emerged. That we as a humanity count our blessings and are thankful when we can get together again with friends, colleagues, and family. That we look at our health and our essential workers with greater thankfulness than we have in the past. And that our environment is at the forefront of what we do and the decisions we make.
But what happens once everything opens up again and we can go about our lives same as we did pre-COVID? What changes are YOU going to make that will positively affect your life, the lives of others and of your loved ones, the earth, and your daily habits?
The new normal of work, business travel and home life is being written as we speak, as the economy tries to survive throughout our battle with the COVID-19 pandemic. Changes in how we think, behave, and relate to one another — some deliberate but many made unconsciously, some temporary but others potentially permanent — are already coming to define our new normal.
In past crises, researchers find, the deepest traumas surfaced only after they had ended.
“The thing we know from war and trauma is that the trauma is well contained whilst you’re doing the fighting, but the problems occur afterward,” said Stephen Blumenthal, a London-based psychologist.
Until then, it can come out other ways.
People may struggle to regulate their emotions, finding anger and panic come more easily. There could be upticks in insomnia and substance abuse.
Dr. Gregory Poland, a Mayo Clinic COVID-19 expert, predicts that the COVID-19 pandemic will change many aspects of U.S. culture in the future, including the need to always practice social distancing measures.
While it’s easy to focus on the negative, there have been some very positive things that have come from this pandemic, including:
1) More sophisticated and flexible use of technology
2) A revived appreciation for the outdoors and life’s other simple pleasures
3) Community Spirit has increased
4) Schools incorporation of e-learning and expansion of digital learning
5) Helping the elderly has come to the forefront of people’s minds
6) The shutdown of businesses and activities related to COVID-19 has led to a decrease in nitrogen dioxide concentration.
7) Some Businesses’ Non-Core Products Are Thriving
8) Finding Opportunities Amid Crisis
9) Pollution has decreased
10) A positive impact on marine life
11) The use and acceptance of telehealth
12) Family have grown closer
13) Our view of what is essential in life has changed for the better
14) Clean hands are back in fashion
We hope that you will continue to stay safe and make changes in your life that will positively affect you, your family, and the world around you.