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The New Normal After Coronavirus?

BY READERS DIGEST

12th Jul 2020 Wellbeing

The global pandemic has been a learning experience in self-awareness for us all. Our way of living prior to Covid-19 was so engrained into us that it seemed like nothing could have changed that. However, it seems that living in lockdown might have done just that.

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So what will the new normal look like?

If you were lucky enough to escape the heartbreak that the pandemic has caused to thousands of people across the world and you managed to use this time to spend with your family, then hopefully you will be coming out of these unprecedented times with something positive. Many of us will have previously complained about our busy lifestyles but not known how to make changes to our schedule and jump out of the rat race. But lockdown has presented many of us with an opportunity to re-evaluate and spend more quality time with our loved ones, take a deeper look at how we treat each other and the planet we live on and change and adapt to new habits during the enforced slower pace of life. 

Here are some lifestyle changes that many of us have and will adapt to:

Less wastage

A new survey has found that food wastage has fallen by a third during lockdown.  The survey conducted by WRAP, the UK’s leading waste charity, showed that households are becoming more resourceful in managing food and menu’s by storing correctly, checking cupboards and fridges more often and making shopping lists prior to a trip to the supermarket.

People are wasting around a third less of items such as potatoes, bread, chicken and milk, the four most commonly wasted foods, compared with pre-corona virus levels – despite the fact that people are buying more of these items.

It’s encouraging to see a rise in these good food behaviors and hopefully the change in this particular shopping habit will stay with us beyond these challenging times

Fewer Luxury Brands 

This period has proven to many of us that we can live simpler lives without the luxury brands that may have been or seemed like they were essential to us. The pandemic, lockdown and the devastating economic impact on millions have meant we are re-evaluating what is classed as essential, what we need and don’t need and learning to live within our means. Certainly, the shortages experienced of everyday items in the early part of lockdown has made many of us realize what are daily essentials and necessary items in our life.

Technological Change

Many individuals and businesses have adapted to advances in technology and many have done remarkably well during this crisis too. Customers and businesses will rely more on different technological products and services now more than ever to keep things safe and running as smoothly as possible. We will hopefully embrace technological changes with more of an open mind to minimalize the impacts of another economic crisis like the one we have experienced.

Travel

Along with strong background checks, there will now be more emphasis on health checks too. The airline industry has been significantly hit by the pandemic and the continuation of travel restrictions across the globe will have a long term impact on tourism across the world for months, if not years to come. Until an immunity is developed for Covid-19, hassle-free international travel experience is unlikely and we’ll likely see a big rise in more localized tourism and holiday plans.

Social Distancing Measures

Although the lockdown measures are easing gradually, social distancing is still being strictly enforced and will be for some time. Wearing a mask is now mandatory on public transport and it’s likely that we’ll all feel the effects of social distancing for a long time – with many of us likely to be wary of larger gatherings.

Financially prepared

Getting through this phase is not an easy task and has been challenging for many of us who have felt the economic impact of Coronavirus. Unfortunately, the economy has not fared so well and sadly, millions have lost their jobs.

There are ways to recover from the financial loss though, the government is providing both businesses and individuals with financial support packages for those that have lost their income or seen a rapid decline in earnings and you can also look at getting a short term loan to keep afloat during this period of uncertainty. Make sure to look for a reliable loan provider, unlike bad lenders like these, as poor credit history doesn’t mean you still can’t access the loan help.

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