The coronavirus pandemic taught Americans many things. Perhaps the most impactful, however, is that we are more adaptable than we ever thought, and we are willing to accept change. Here are a few of the potentially permanent ways life looks different since COVID-19 made its way to the US.
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We’ve adopted a lot of pets.
Early in the pandemic, people realized that being at home all the time was lonely and boring. Because of this, shelters across the country have seen a rise in people willing to adopt pets, and cats and dogs have found new homes. If you have yet to adopt your own pandemic pet, keep in mind that it’s not for everyone. You have to decide which animal is right for you and know that you will have enough time to care for them when life returns back to normal.
Vacations are centered around the outdoors.
When most people think of vacations, the beach or mountains naturally come to mind. These and other outdoor vacations are even more in-demand now that people fear being in close quarters. Things like visiting museums and filling amusement parks to capacity may very well be a thing of the past for many vacationers. The great outdoors is now largely considered the safest place to be.
Freelancing may become the new 9 to 5.
As difficult as job loss has been on the economy, there is an upside. Many Americans that have been laid off or furloughed have found that they have the power to control their personal finances. Becoming a freelancer, which often means searching for work through online job sites like Upwork, can help you explore your talents, whether it’s sales, writing, web design, or accounting. While it might take weeks or months to build up a clientele, working as a contract entrepreneur offers freedom and some protection from layoffs.
At-home haircuts.
There is nothing that quite takes the place of leaving your hair in the hands of a master stylist. But with social distancing restrictions came the need to handle our own hair. The Atlantic recently portrayed a story of a mom video chatting with her own stylist for tips and advice on how to trim her son’s hair. It’s not always easy (if it were, hairstylists would not be required to go to school and obtain a license), but handling routine haircuts is something the pandemic has given many of us the confidence to tackle with our own shears.
Online education is likely here to stay.
Sometime around spring break, school was canceled indefinitely. This led to unprecedented scrambling by parents and teachers alike as we learned how to navigate remote education. It has been a challenge to say the least, but many students have thrived. Online schooling is not something new, however, and as PrepScholar explains, there are public, private, and university-affiliated schools available. In August, when schools return, many districts may see a combination of in-person and online education.
Fresh fruits and vegetables are a garden away.
Something else we’ve had plenty of time to focus on this spring and summer is home gardening. Seeds, plants, and gardening tools are selling out quickly, which is a good thing for our overall health. Growing a garden offers access to nutrient-dense produce and can help keep us from the grocery store in case of a second viral wave.
Although the pandemic brought with it many negatives, not all the changes we’ve experienced have been bad. Some, such as finding the courage to freelance and growing our own food, can have a lasting, impactful, and positive change on our quality of life. While you may not experience all these, they do serve as a reminder to embrace the new normal and all the good it can bring.
Article provided by Jennifer Scott. Visit Jennifer at Spiritfinder.org for more information and articles.
Leave a comment in the box below about any new positive lifestyle changes you have made since the COVID-19. Don’t forget to get on Ssouthernlifestyle’s email list before you leave and as always have a blessed day!
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