There's no doubt about it, life as we know it has changed. No one expected or could have imagined a global pandemic would happen or how this would all end up.
So many things have changed (hello, working from home!) and most will not go back to the way it was before March 2020. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. We've rounded up a handful of things we hope will never go back "to normal" after last year. After all, some normal things are just way overrated.
Good Hygiene
People washing their hands, covering their mouths when coughing or sneezing, and rigorously wiping down shared spaces needs to stay. Everyone keep their germs to themselves, mmmkay?
Curbside Pickup & Delivery
Curbside pickup and free delivery on groceries, takeout, and retail store purchases is something most took for granted. After this pandemic, curbside pickup is no longer a good option, it is essential — and super convenient. And for parents everywhere, it's something we hope will never go away ever again.
People Staying Home When They're Sick
Keeping children home and adults staying home when they’re feeling under the weather should remain the gold standard, not the exception. If people could just use their common sense, that would be awesome.
Remote Work
Pandemic life has made a lot of people realize that the work-home balance has been severely off for as long as anyone can remember. More home, less office is what needs to be the goal. And less commuting is better for the environment, so everyone wins.
Prioritizing Mental Health
Mental health has become an important issue and less stigmatized because everyone is going through this extremely stressful situation together. There is now an abundance of sympathy, commiseration, and understanding, and people need to keep prioritizing their mental health — no matter what.
The Golden Rule
Let’s embrace the golden rule and treat each other with human respect and kindness. Everyone’s been operating in a vacuum mostly worrying about themselves, but this past year, we've all had to make a lot of choices thinking about others. Let's keep that up.
Telehealth
Telehealth may be one of the greatest things that came out of 2020. There are definitely times when people need to go into the doctor’s office but there are others when the office visit can be effective, convenient, and virtual.
More Family Time
In today’s fast-paced world, most people are always plugged in and distracted. Even when people are physically together, they’re emotionally and mentally distant. The pandemic has shown everyone what — and who — are truly important and what’s not.
Pet Adoption
In the beginning of the madness, people were searching for something to get them through, whether it was for comfort, sanity, or companionship. Many people filled that void by adopting pets to love and care for. We sincerely hope this is a trend that continues well beyond the virus.
Outdoor Getaways & Activities
Quarantine cabin fever has been really hard for a lot of people. Playing and exploring outside over the last year has taught all of us how important fresh air and freedom really are.
Low Capacities
Keeping capacity numbers low at public places has not only been a literal life-saver, but it’s also just nice. Crowds are overrated and more space to breathe and slow down without constantly bumping into someone else is the perfect answer to the problem no one even knew existed.
Masking Up
Nobody loves wearing face masks, but honestly, if everyone would start wearing them when they are feeling unwell like they do in many other countries, the spread of colds, flus, and viruses could be drastically reduced. There are so many cute styles and prints, let’s make them a permanent accessory for those sick days.
Healthier Lifestyle Choices
In an effort to not get sick, many people are exercising more and eating healthier. Let’s keep up the momentum and all take better care of ourselves and one another.
Embracing the Unknown
People are thinking outside the box and trying new things because all the things they were used to doing are no longer an option — and that’s a good thing. Take this opportunity to slow down and choose to do something new not the same old thing the world expects.
An Attitude of Gratitude
Every day alive is a good day. When life is shrunk down to the size of the same four walls for a year, reevaluation is inevitable. Perspective changes and growth happens. Stop saving the good things for special occasions — any day and every day is a special occasion.
Asynchronous Learning
Parents send their kids to school even when they’re sick because the alternative is to fall behind and miss out on learning — or work. However, the health crisis has taught everyone that livestreaming is simple and can easily be done daily so sick kids can learn with their class safely from home when needed.
