Adapting to new way of life will make coping easier
LIFE will most likely never be the same as what we regarded as normal prior to COVID-19, as we continue to live with the novel coronavirus, which is still spreading and taking lives.
Preparing ourselves for and adapting to the new way of life, what is coming to be referred to as the new normal, will make coping with the changes easier.
For example, in the future you might have to have your temperature checked before you enter any building or your own friend’s house or even eat with a plastic divider between you and whoever you are having a meal with in a restaurant.
Social distancing is likely to continue for some time, which may result in aeroplanes taking only half the number of their normal passengers.
Working from home is likely to be the new norm for office workers who are able to do so. Emphasis will be on the work that is done rather than on where we do it.
is shift in the way we live is expected worldwide so waiting for your pre-coronavirus life to return will definitely set you up for disappointment. You are better off adapting to the new reality than fighting it.
Everyone needs to actively take better care of their health, both physical and mental. Generally the world is now in a better emotional and mental position to deal with the coronavirus pandemic than it was when the pandemic started. Researchers currently studying the social impacts of the pandemic say the initial spike in fear is starting to go down.
ey added that our brains perceive new threats as the scariest, so that fear wanes over time as people live with it. You may also have already started feeling that life is less limited with the continuous adjustments to the lockdown restrictions that are being made.
Business operating hours have been extended, universities are opening for final year students and plans to gradually reopen all schools are being worked on.
In some countries restaurants, gyms, and barber shops are open for business at limited capacity. Other businesses are finding inventive solutions such as hosting drive-in movies on the side of bars as a way to solve both their economic woes and your social woes.
However, even though changes are being made to how we live, people need to remember that Covid-19 is novel so we really do not know what is going to happen next as things are constantly changing.
is is why preparing yourself, your family and loved ones is crucial. Social distancing is going to be the order of the day everywhere in the world. Zimbabwe will not be exempt from this.
Sanitising and wearing of masks will also be mandatory in an increasing number of countries, especially as there have been cases of asymptomatic transmission of the virus. Asymptomatic transmission is the spread of the virus by people showing no symptoms at all or only mild symptoms that are not obvious to others.
Adapting to the new way of life will become easier with time. Even if a second wave of the virus hits us, we will probably not be too stressed by this, since we will know more about what is happening and how to deal with it.
For example, we have all had to figure out how to home school our children as well as be productive working from home. We also know how to stay connected to family virtually using the internet as well as how to live without going to the gym, throwing parties or going to the bar.
As those around us start to feel safer and less anxious, so will we, as most people are influenced by what our neighbours, friends and family are doing. e more people around you are doing something, the more you are going to do it.
It important that you do the right thing by promoting the prevention of the spread of the coronavirus so that those around you will follow your example.
Many of us have picked up hygienic habits from the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic that we all should have been practising before, such as being vigilant about washing hands and not sharing germs.
Even when temperature checks before entering buildings eventually subside, a lot of Covid-19 related habits are likely to stick and become normalised. ese include not coughing without covering our mouths as well as wearing a mask in public when you are sick.
Companies are likely to continue being flexible about working from home or perhaps even opt to have employees only come to the office once a week or when something urgent comes up now that we know work in many cases can still be done from home just as well as at the office.
Another problem to prepare for will be the stress of a depressed economy. Most people have already been under financial strains from the country’s continuously failing economy. e coronavirus has made the situation worse.
Even if you did not lose your job, you may well have taken a pay cut. It may be difficult for some businesses to recover from lost business during the lockdown, which could affect their ability to pay staff realistic wages.
More people will not only have more financial stress over paying their mortgage, rent, loans and other bills but will also have less disposable income for any other activities such as travelling and entertainment. is may lead to an increase in anxiety, depression, domestic abuse, loneliness and isolation.
Adjusting your budget and lifestyle now will help you deal with financially related stress. Seeking some counselling will also be a good way to help cope with the stress. You can also try to find alternative ways to increase your own personal income when an opportunity arises.
Accepting the new normal and looking for the new opportunities it may present will help all of us to better cope with and even benefit from changes that are not likely to be reversed for some time to come.
e information in this article is provided as a public service by the Cimas iGo Wellness programme, which is designed to promote good health. It is provided for general information only and should not be construed as medical advice. Readers should consult their doctor or clinic on any matter related to their health or the treatment of any health problem. — igo@cimas. co.zw or WhatsApp 0772 161 829 or phone 024-2773 0663.