These past few months have been some of the most challenging the world has ever faced. At the same time, they brought to light powers we never knew we had. These troubled times showed us how resilient and adaptable we are and made us realize what matters most in life. Our daily life changed, we spend more time with our kids, talk more with our family and friends, according to statistics and were we to trust internet jokes, our pets are wondering whether we quit our job or not. Yes, we decided to look on the bright side and talk about all those habits we’ve developed recently and that are worth keeping even after the lockdown is over.
Saving habit
Our buying behaviour changed so much recently! To name some of the consequences: Walmart is selling more tops and fewer pants, Jigsaw puzzles are having a moment, streaming subscription services are offering longer free periods, and demand is sky-high. CNBC dedicated an entire article to saving tweaks that can help you build up a tidy cash reserve. Let’s just think about the money we used to spend on clothes (PJ’s and comfortable old t-shirts and pants will be enough, for the moment), make up (who needs makeup these days?!…) or eating out (many of us have discovered recently their inner Masterchef)!
OCD-like handwashing
Handwashing remains the no. 1 tip for preventing the spread of Coronavirus. It’s common sense and it works. “Wash your hands as often as possible, for at least 20 seconds” – we heard and read this message so many times that we wash our hands like the doctors do before the surgery. But that’s good, because Proper handwashing not only reduces the spread of Coronavirus, it can prevent the spread of other viral illnesses such as cold and flu. Handwashing also reduces the risk of getting other easily spread infections, such SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) and MERS (Middle East respiratory syndrome).
Talking more with our family and friends
Haven’t you noticed that despite the self-isolation you talk more with your family members and friends? You gained time which was normally spent commuting, shopping or doing some chores that seemed hugely important at the moment. Under normal circumstances, we tend to turn to friends and family when there’s a sense of urgency or crisis, says Ami Rokach, a psychologist and expert in loneliness based outside Toronto. And since many of us are cut off from normal social interaction, we are opting for voice and video calls as the next best thing. So maybe when the lockdown is over, we can keep this habit: instead of postponing conversations for when we meet, daily or frequent check up calls may be a better way to keep your loved ones close.
It is unclear how society will be when this is all said and done. At this point, it is hard to imagine what life is going to be like next week, let alone six months from now. All we can do is keep making positive changes in our lives and once the pandemic is over, keep those habits that made these times easier to deal with.
