Now, with the mass vaccination of the population, we have more and more hopes that life will return to normal.
Depending on the country or region, we see some restrictions have already been lifted, restaurants and gyms reopening, some events being organized... Although we have waited so long for these moments, we still cannot enjoy them. We are still skeptical, worried, sometimes even nervous.
Having said all this, the question arises: What will the world look like after COVID-19?
Over the past year, I have often heard that "we will never be the same", that "the world will never be the same." To understand what these phrases mean, we need to understand what was "before" and what changes happened during the pandemic.
Talking about the future is difficult. However, we are able to analyze how the pandemic affected our behavior and what significant changes it caused. This is important because these changes can have implications for our self-perception and affect us mentally and behaviorally.
From all I have studied, as well as from my own observations and analyzes, I could mention some significant changes that will affect life after Covid-19:
Loss of control
For many people, a significant consequence of the epidemic is the loss of a formed image of the future and a sense of control over life.
If before the pandemic it seemed normal and even necessary to plan a vacation in advance, to set goals to take out a loan, now everything is different. Those who lived in the paradigm that everyone can create their own life, not relying on chance, received a huge blow. This made many people feel vulnerable.
After experiencing the trauma of loss, many will have to rebuild the image of the world and critically re-evaluate their ability to influence something in it.
Border area
Security measures during the pandemic have raised the issue of borders. And if the problem with geographical boundaries is solved little by little, then we have to deal with the personal ones on our own. How do you behave when you meet a friend or colleague? Should you hug him? Should you shake hands with him? And if this is a close friend or relative and you really want to hug, then can you do it or still abstain?
These situations make us feel embarrassed and condition us to be distant in relation to people, perceiving another person as a source of "infection", danger and anxiety.
Interaction with the body
The pandemic also affects the way we interact with our body: we often wash our hands, we do not touch our face, we sneeze in the elbow, etc.
These rules have an unexpected effect: doctors around the world report a decrease in the number of cases of intestinal infections and dysentery.
At the same time, many people also began to listen more closely to any physical symptoms, fearing in each of them to identify the "manifestation" of the virus. On the one hand, there are many advantages in this regard, especially a careful attitude to health. On the other hand, this attention generates a constant state of anxiety.
System changes
Gradually, cafes, restaurants, hotels, even borders began to open. This fact cannot but rejoice us, especially since we all urgently need to get rid of stress, to socialize, that is, return to normal life. But not everyone will be able to take advantage of these benefits, even if all the rules are followed. A significant decrease in income and the need to revise the system of expenses are some of the most unpleasant and obvious consequences that will persist in our lives. Maybe even more than masks, gloves and social distance.
So what will life be like after COVID-19?
In my opinion, the picture will look something like this: we will return to everyday life more attentive to our health and hygiene, more anxious and poor than before.
With the return to normalcy, we will have to, if not start from scratch, at least seriously reconsider our values, attitudes and habits. Someone will reconsider their attitude towards the habit of controlling and planning life, someone - towards spending. However, the most difficult thing will be to assess the parameters that influenced our identity: what has changed in our psychology, what new views have appeared, and which of them have undergone significant changes.
I could assume that new parameters will appear that were not "before", for example, the attitude towards the virus, the need to keep distance and the fear of not getting sick. These rethinking processes have already begun and need a detailed study.
Having gone through such a traumatic experience, called COVID-19, I can confidently say that the world will not be what it was, which means that we will no longer be who we were...
All the best!
To a Healthier & Happier Life,
Andy
