The Covid-19 pandemic completely shifted the lifestyles of millions across the globe as they learned to adapt to the new protocols and health requirements established to keep them (and their neighbors) safe. The past year was one of heartache, frustration, and learning—and as we move toward beating this pandemic, some of the things we learned, both intentionally and unintentionally, will linger. As you take stock of your life and what the future holds, here are six practices that you might want to integrate into your life beyond the pandemic:
1. Stay connected virtually with friends and family.
Zoom happy hours, virtual game nights and regular video chats became part of our daily routines as health experts asked that we remain separate to reduce the spread of the virus. This shift naturally created opportunities to connect with individuals who we may not have talked with in some time; whether due to distance or time, a quick FaceTime phone became the solution to building back up that relationship.
People relied on technology to keep them connected and were able to use their phones to avoid feeling isolated or stressed. While quarantine may be over, it’s still possible to lose connections with those we love. Keep leaning on technology to help you communicate with others; while it doesn’t have to be your only mode of swapping stories or catching up, it’s a great way to quickly show someone you care.
2. Dedicate time to self-care each week.
Self-care was not only a nice-to-do activity for many during the pandemic: it was essential. However, the definition of self-care goes beyond a soak in the tub or a face mask—though those activities are great for a little relaxation. Self-care during quarantine meant learning about and communicating personal boundaries. It was about understanding what you valued and making sure your daily activities aligned to those same things. It was about taking a moment of pause to reevaluate your life and reshape your vision of the future for yourself.
These boundaries and values will also often extend beyond your personal life, too. Shared , “Healthy boundaries can make the difference between professional fulfillment or burnout. They are the physical, emotional, and mental limits you create to protect yourself from overcommitting, being used, or behaving in unethical ways [at work]. Boundaries separate what you think and feel from the thoughts and feelings of others.”
Challenge yourself to continually check in with yourself, whether through an informal moment of mediation or a daily journal entry. Make sure that you’re addressing your individual daily needs, whether through exercise, nutrition, or even career adjustments.
3. Clean and sanitize your spaces regularly.
Don’t throw out your bottles of hand sanitizer just yet! Even though cleaning and sanitizing procedures may be less strict than before, you don’t need to give up all your new practices. In fact, regular sanitization using the right household products can prevent you from falling ill to many things, from the common cold to the flu. Continue to use your hand sanitizer when touching high-traffic areas or tools like a card reader machine or gas station pump. While the threat of Covid-19 may be minimized, you’re still coming into contact with a lot of bacteria.
4. Wear a mask to reduce potential infections.
In line with the recommendation to maintain some of your cleaning habits, don’t be afraid to still wear a mask when you need to protect yourself against poor air quality. For example, has shown that the regular use of Covid-19 face masks helped many individuals combat their seasonal or outdoor allergies. If masks are regularly cleaned and replaced, they are able to effectively filter out pollen and other dust particles which may cause a runny nose or itchy eyes.
Feel free to also continue wearing a mask if you’re wary of public environments. Not everyone will transition back into “normal” life the same way, and it’s okay to not feel completely safe with going maskless just yet. Regardless of how you feel about masks, remember to be respectful of others’ decisions and focus on what’s best for your health and the health of the person next to you.
5. Create flexible work environments.
Many companies switched to fully remote working environments during the pandemic to reduce the spread of Covid-19. For some, this was a difficult adjustment—without the hustle and bustle of the office or regular in-person meetings, the workday lost its excitement. For others, this new model of business provided an opportunity to mold a workday routine that fit their individual preferences. For example, early risers could begin work at 6:00 AM, as their commute no longer took an hour and a half of their day.
This flexible work routine meant that breaks could be more than just sitting at your desk, scrolling through social media. According to , roughly 66 percent of respondents said they played an online game during a work break and 33 percent of respondents even reported playing those games with their colleagues. Speak with your manager or team about maintaining the practice of flexible work weeks, allowing for activities like gaming, exercise or creative breaks throughout your working hours.
6. Maintain an in-home emergency response kit.
Finally, while you won’t have to mass-buy toilet paper again, the pandemic taught us that it’s important to be prepared for any emergency. Create a plan for your household to ensure that you have all the supplies you need for the future. Keep and maintain your kit in a cool and dry location that’s accessible to anyone in the home.
When it comes to building the kit, the “Build a Kit” checklist from the website is a great place to start. Here, you’ll find tips on how to build a basic disaster kit, find lists for medical supply requirements, learn how to maintain your kit or how to store it in the home.
The year 2020 taught us that while we can’t predict the future, we can always prepare to keep our family, friends, and loved ones safe. Small precautions like preparing an emergency preparedness kit will give you the peace of mind that no matter what the future brings, you’re ready for it!