Achieving a ‘future pandemic lifestyle’

2022 is the second year living in the global pandemic, and everyone wants this crisis to be over so that we get back to our “normal” lives. I understand your pain. Sweaty and suffocating masks, irritated skin from sanitisers, and so many tests and forms to fill in. The world has become highly complex over the span of two years.

My parents have always told me that things happen for a reason, and every potential crisis could stimulate new opportunities. Before the pandemic, our world was going somewhat smoothly, almost like the calm before a storm. A pandemic is an irreversible event that has impacted our lives and certainly our future generations. With various mutations of the original virus strain, it is hard to say whether life will become back to “normal”.

It doesn’t mean everything is over! We can adapt, reconstruct, and seek improvement in our current lives. We need a rebirth into an optimistic outlook requiring a “Pandemic Future Lifestyle” approach. This requires a few key ingredients that I believe are crucial to sustaining a healthy global population. Unfortunately, I am no fortune teller but if my predictions are correct, I told you so!

It is comforting to see others wear masks in crowded surroundings

Masks have become the new norm in today’s world. They come in different shapes, sizes, and colours. Many companies have made a considerable deal of profits from selling masks and are often used as an “accessory” with our outfit choices. This new phenomenon is quite encouraging as people are getting creative and finding new ways to incentivise the wearing of masks. Wearing a mask protects not only you but also others. A mask prevents germs and illnesses to transmit to others and vice versa. Many people find it very uncomfortable in wearing a mask for valid reasons which include sweat, fog on glasses, and harshness towards the skin. However, we struggle to cope with the pandemic as not everyone is taking responsibility for protecting one’s and others health.

With our current situation across the world, many countries are still battling this deadly virus and therefore it is far from over. It is very likely for people to wear masks post-pandemic, as people have become accustomed and started to prefer wearing a mask. It is comforting to see others wear masks in crowded surroundings, as they might be sick or feel unwell which would reduce one’s chances of getting sick. This differs from our pre-pandemic experiences where everyone roamed about freely, even when they were sick.

Wearing a mask has now provided a sense of security and after witnessing the brutalities of the pandemic, people would not endanger their safety. If people adopt this healthy habit, this would be highly beneficial for everyone’s health and overall productivity, allowing more time for doing the things we love and enjoy.

If I am healthy, I am likely to protect my loved ones

Before the pandemic, I did not carry sanitisers. Now I find a sanitiser in every piece of clothing I wear. The only time I would carry one would be at an airport after being in contact with many people and surfaces. It is strange how sanitisers and masks used to be endlessly available a couple of years ago and not many people fully utilised them. Now, we are facing a shortage of these “essential” goods.

One of the learnings from the pandemic is to be careful what we touch. Limiting our contact with surfaces, people, food, animals, and much more is more important than ever before. We could prevent future pandemics and health outbreaks! Sanitising or washing my hands after being in direct contact with a foreign object makes me feel at ease as I can be reassured that I am taking the right precautions to protect my health. If I am healthy, I am likely to protect my loved ones or the people surrounding me. Of course, I cannot force everyone to make sure they have a sanitiser, but I can encourage you all to use one when needed.

Coronavirus has taught us to prioritise health first. If we are healthy, we can do anything. So, life in the post-pandemic should reflect this behaviour. If you have a fever and feel sick, stay at home. This would be the right call of action, as you are protecting yourself and others. If circumstances do not allow to do so, wear a mask, and reduce contact with others.

We also need to preserve our mental well-being. Working is great and highly rewarding, but personal time is important. Taking time to detox such as sleeping, listening to music, going outdoors and spending time with family has been effective in reducing anxiety and increasing overall happiness. A famous quote from Dalai Lama outlines that the purpose of life is to be happy. At the end of the day, happiness is the best medicine and can solve most of our problems.