The COVID-19 haphazardly introduced us to a new way of living and obliged us to form new habits so that we could carry on. For more than a year, many struggled to live amidst the health crisis.
As we now transition to post-pandemic life, one may find it even more challenging to deal with yet another phase of life, especially since many already found a sense of normalcy and have loosened up in dealing with the disruptions brought about by the global outbreak.
Businesses were forced to shut close, social activities were discouraged, and travel plans were deferred. Schools and traditional workplaces were compelled to switch to the digital world. It was a sight not to be seen. Everyone was not prepared for such abrupt changes, but we all had to move forward.
8 Ways For Transitioning To Post-Pandemic Life
But what exactly do you have to change upon transitioning to post-pandemic life? Here are ways that can facilitate your post-pandemic adjustment without a hitch:
- Check which habits to keep post-pandemic.
Pre-pandemic, you already have established a routine that you follow regularly. It will not be a smart choice to immediately go back to doing it in your post-pandemic life. Hitting the gym right after work or turning to convenient fast-food restaurant takeaways again can still be risky. Your workouts at home and the healthy meals you made yourself saved you money and spared you from the virus. You can, however, spice up these activities by inviting a few friends over so you do not have to feel alone anymore. Healthy habits formed during the pandemic should still be part of your post-pandemic life for their apparent benefits.
- Focus on your wellbeing.
As business establishments are slowly opening their doors and companies are already recalling their employees for the physical office, it can be expected that your physical and mental health will be demanded at work. Strive to stay on top of all the challenges and remember to stop and smell the flowers for when tasks get more taxing and arduous than in the remote work setup.
- Continue your self-care practices.
Engaging in such practices has clinically been proven to alleviate any feelings of stress and anxiety. Self-care activities can improve your concentration, increase your energy, and minimize the frustration brought by the transition. Drinking more water, taking your vitamins, and sleeping better should still be part of your daily routine to ensure a quality post-pandemic life.
- Reflect on what you are grateful for.
The pandemic opened people’s eyes to the many things they should be thankful for, like the job they have retained, utility bills that are settled, a new hobby discovered, a small business that provided income, and a home free from the virus. Owning these as your strengths demonstrates your survival amidst the rigours and can give you a motivational boost and a renewed sense of purpose.
- Recalibrate your social skills.
Human beings are social creatures. We depend on the human connection for a lot of our well-being. In the new phase of life, it is imperative to get in touch with our social circle. Physically attending social events can fill the gap that we longed for during the pandemic. However, we should still be cautious of ourselves and others who are still acclimating to another new behaviour and socialization norms.
- Take slow and measured steps.
Especially at work, culture shocks can happen. As you slowly set foot and move around in a new environment, you may feel a little apprehensive or insecure in it. When we are forced to take on a new life or a new way to do things, it can either cause us frustration or improve us as a person. Conditioning the mind and taking baby steps is crucial in realizing your vision of the transition. As this is your journey, you should be in total control of your pace.
- Mind your manners.
For more than a year, we wore masks and stayed true to social distancing measures to minimize contagion risks. It will cause others anxiety if you manifest any gesture or attitude that contests their practices despite being vaccinated and virus-free. Regardless of your health status, beliefs and opinions, you must understand and respect that your transition and coping mechanism are entirely different from those of others.
- Do not skip your sanitation and hygiene practices.
Although things may have gotten better, we cannot fully say that the pandemic is over, but we can reassure ourselves that we can handle any crisis. Despite the vaccines being rolled out and many people already took the jab, we should still hold fast to our sanitation and hygiene practices. While handwashing, social distancing, and focusing on our physical and mental health were only given much emphasis in time of the pandemic, other illnesses can be avoided by simply embracing the same practice in our post-pandemic life.
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About the Author:
Bash Sarmiento is a writer and an educator from Manila. He writes laconic pieces in the education, lifestyle and health realms. His academic background and extensive experience in teaching, textbook evaluation, business management and travelling are translated in his works.
