As the world reopens after months of quarantine, it’s important to acknowledge the real and ridiculous reality of life after quarantine. Quarantine has altered our lives in so many ways—from shopping to socializing to our work lives—that the transition back to “normal” will be anything but straightforward.
We’ve been so used to staying home, having our meals delivered, and playing video games with friends all over the world that the thought of going back to the routine of daily life can be overwhelming. We’re still facing a pandemic, and it’s likely that we’ll continue to see restrictions and guidelines in place for some time. But, at the same time, we are adapting and slowly getting used to the “new normal.”
The first thing we must consider is the idea of “social distancing.” Even when we’re able to go back to our regular activities, we’ll have to be mindful of our own safety and the safety of others. We’ll have to plan our trips, our mode of transportation, the time of day we leave, and our destination. And, we’ll have to make sure we follow all guidelines and restrictions, including wearing masks and avoiding large crowds.
Second, our shopping habits will have to change. We’ll likely need to plan our trips and do a bit more advanced shopping, such as ordering things online and picking them up curbside. We’ll also have to think about our purchases more carefully—are we really going to use it or will it just be a convenience?
Third, our work lives will likely be different. Many employers are now offering remote work options, such as telecommuting or virtual meetings. We’ll also need to consider how to stay productive and energized while working from home, as well as how to minimize distractions and stay focused.
Finally, we’ll need to redefine our relationships with our friends and family. We’ll need to figure out how to stay connected despite being apart, which could include more virtual hangouts and video chats.
The transition from quarantine to the “new normal” won’t be easy, and it will require a lot of thought and planning. But, it’s important to remember that we can still be safe and enjoy our lives, even if it looks a little different than before.
