A few weeks in, and most of us have settled into a COVID-19 socially distanced life. To “flatten the curve” and save lives, we are staying indoors other than to run essential errands — like grocery shopping and walking our dogs. But as time goes on, and science works as projected, the number of infections and hospitalizations will decrease, and we can look forward to re-opening the economy towards a semblance of normalcy. But what does life after COVID-19 look like?
“When you say get back to normal, you’re talking about a really clear indication that those areas — like New York City, like New Orleans, like Detroit — that have big outbreaks with peaks, have not only stabilized in the number of new cases and hospitalizations but have turned the corner and are starting to come down,” said Dr. Fauci, a prominent figure in the COVID-19 government task force, in an interview with The Journal podcast that aired last week. “It isn’t like a light switch, on and off.” One idea might be having a 50-seat restaurant only seating a maximum of 25 diners, he said. “The bottom line is, it’s going to be gradual. It’s not going to be all or none.”
But it can’t be done too early, either. “When you’re starting to think about a gradual reentry of some sort of normality, some rolling reentry,” Fauci told CNN. “So you’re trying to balance two things: You want to make sure you don’t do something prematurely and precipitously. But at the same time, you pay attention to the need to try and get back to normal.”
As that day approaches, here are ten things you can do to start preparing for life after COVID-19 while still social distancing:
- Stay active: Can’t go to the gym? No problem. There are many articles here with great suggestions like 10 workout YouTube videos or big companies now offering free access to their content. Fitness is not only one of the best stress-busters available to us, but moderate exercise is also a fantastic way to boost the immune system.
- Stick to a routine/schedule: Along with the physical risks, the virus also takes a psychological toll. Social distancing isn’t a natural way of life, and many people feel ostracized. We must remind ourselves, and everyone around us, that while we can’t control what’s around us, we can control our responses. Creating a new routine to stick to can give us some semblance of control and direction during times of chaos and crisis. Set a schedule for waking up, eating, working out, and bedtime. Resilience thrives with proper nutrition, exercise, and rest. Fill your day with fun activities, chats over the phone with friends, reading, and new indoor hobbies. Not only will your brain get some structure it craves, but you will also feel more productive and fulfilled!
- Keep in touch with friends and family (using technology): We all need connection. Take advantage of living in the digital age to avoid feeling isolated. Contact helps everyone deal with sadness, loneliness, depression, and panic, so use FaceTime, Zoom, WhatsApp, and Skype to catch up with friends and family both near and far.
- Eat healthily: Certain nutrients have shown to reduce anxiety or spur the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin (feel-good hormones!) — and we all need to feel as good as possible during these times of uncertainty. Take a look at our list of mood-boosting foods and incorporate them into your healthy at-home cooking.
- Still shave/do your hair/put on makeup: Looking good helps you feel good. Putting on a fresh set of clothes signifies a new day, and gets your brain primed for action. You should also continue to practice morning routines such as showering, brushing your teeth, shaving, doing your hair, or applying makeup. These tasks will get you into a more productive mindset than if you roll out of bed five minutes before you’re supposed to get started. These simple tasks will also keep you ready for going back into public and the office when our social distancing measures are eased up!
- Support local businesses where you can (so they will still be there upon re-opening of the country): If you can, support local businesses in their time of need so you can still enjoy them when this is over. Occasionally get takeout from the nearby small restaurant; shop at the small, independent vitamin store; buy something from the local hardware store. Anything helps these businesses keep their doors open.
- Prioritize self-care and self-development: Consider what anchors and relaxes you — gardening, meditating, yoga, music, reading, knitting, singing, etc. Have a good laugh, watch funny videos and movies. Avoid social media that makes you anxious and restrict news consumption, especially one hour before going to sleep. Start journaling as an outlet. Light some candles and take a bubble bath, diffuse some relaxing essential oils. Find some calm and peace in the turbulence to carve out some self-care. If there’s a self-development course or skill you’re looking to learn, now is the time; there are more classes available online than hours in the day — so find your niche and work on yourself!
- Make masks: Until masks are readily available, a home-made mask is better than none. According to numerous experts, masks will be a way of life until a treatment and/or vaccine is readily available, which is a projected 12-18 months away. We made a list of 10 easy DIY face masks to make while social distancing at home.
- Improve knowledge about tech in case this happens again: Everything you learn now will help you adapt in life. Cultivate the knowledge you’ve gained during this time — it will make it easier should this ever happen again. As we’ve learned from social distancing and working from home — we need technology, and we need to have a good grasp on it to flourish in today’s (and tomorrow’s) world. Every industry has transformed as a result of the pandemic — it has hastened the digitalization of work in every sector from telehealth and telemedicine to online schooling. So brush up on those skills, take online classes, and practice with tech consistently to improve this particular skill set.
- Learn to plan for disruptions: This is a lesson to keep for future planning. Life is unpredictable, and we should all start planning like it is. As a rule of thumb, you should strive to save 3-6 months of living expenses, and 2 months of shelf-stable food reserves (and some toilet paper too, as recent history would prove).
