By William J. Furney
Let’s face it: the pandemic was a time none of us want to relive. But like it or not, it shaped us in ways we’re still seeing today. The endless Zoom calls, the social distancing, the panic over loo roll – it all forced us into new ways of living. And while the lockdowns and restrictions are behind us (thankfully), some of the habits we picked up are here to stay. Whether for better or worse, we’ve changed.
Here’s a look at some of the habits that have stuck with us since the world turned upside down.
Working from Home – The New Norm
Before the pandemic, working from home was seen as a luxury – something reserved for freelancers, tech whizzes or those with understanding bosses. But now? It’s as common as having your morning cuppa. During the height of lockdown, millions of us transformed kitchen tables, sofas and even beds into makeshift workspaces. Pyjamas became office attire, and our pets, rather than colleagues, were our daily companions.
Many thought this would be temporary, but here we are, years later, with home working firmly entrenched, even if some firms are trying to lure us back to the office. Companies realised they didn’t need to spend fortunes on office space, and workers discovered they could be just as productive (if not more) without the commute. And let’s be honest – the ability to mute yourself during meetings while sipping tea in your dressing gown is one of life’s underrated pleasures.
Zoom Everything – Business Meetings to Birthdays
Remember when video calls were reserved for family members abroad or the occasional work conference? Now, Zoom is as essential as Wi-Fi. During lockdowns, the platform exploded in popularity, becoming the go-to for everything from business meetings to birthdays and even pub quizzes.
What’s wild is that many of us have kept this going. Sure, we can now meet in person, but there’s something so convenient about clicking a link, chatting away for half an hour and then instantly returning to your daily tasks. No travel, no faffing about with finding a venue, no need to wear trousers if you don’t want to. Zoom might not be perfect, but it’s certainly saved us a lot of time and hassle.
DIY Haircuts – A Risky Business
When barbers and hairdressers closed, many took matters into their own hands. Some fared better than others, and Instagram was flooded with DIY haircut disasters. Whether it was the classic “lockdown buzzcut” or uneven fringes, we all had a go at playing hairdresser.
But here’s the kicker: some people have stuck with it. Why pay $20 or more for a trim when you can grab a pair of clippers and do it yourself? It’s risky, but a lot of folks realised they were better at cutting hair than they thought. Plus, it’s another way to save a bit of cash.
Cooking at Home – MasterChef Wannabes
With restaurants closed and takeaway services overwhelmed, we all had to get a bit creative in the kitchen. Suddenly, sourdough starters were all the rage, and people who hadn’t boiled an egg in years were whipping up elaborate dishes. Banana bread? A pandemic staple.
Even now, with our favourite restos and cafes open again, many of us have stuck with cooking at home. We realised it’s not only cheaper but also healthier. And there’s a certain satisfaction in making your own pizza from scratch or mastering the perfect curry. Then there’s the joy of home baking, which continues to trend long after lockdown ended.
Exercise at Home – No More Gym Fees
When gyms shut their doors, fitness fanatics were forced to adapt. Dumbbells became a hot commodity, with prices soaring as people scrambled to set up home gyms. For those of us without weights, there were bodyweight exercises, resistance bands or just trying to follow along with Joe Wicks.
And now? Home workouts are still going strong. Many have ditched their gym memberships entirely, opting for the convenience of working out in their living room. Whether it’s a quick YouTube yoga session or a full HIIT workout, home exercise is now part of the daily routine for a lot of people. Why brave the weather or pay for a membership when you can get fit from the comfort of your own home?
Online Shopping – The Ultimate Convenience
Online shopping wasn’t exactly a new phenomenon pre-pandemic, but it’s exploded in popularity since. During lockdown, many turned to the internet for groceries, clothes and every random thing imaginable. Amazon, in particular, became the saviour for those needing a daily fix of retail therapy.
It’s not just groceries and gadgets either. During covid, more people than ever began ordering their meals online, and food delivery apps experienced a massive boom. Today, even though we can go out to shops and restaurants, the convenience of having everything delivered right to our door is too hard to resist.
Hygiene Habits – Clean Freaks Unite
Before COVID-19, who among us regularly carried hand sanitiser everywhere we went? Very few, I’d imagine. Fast forward to today, and many of us wouldn’t dream of leaving the house without it. The pandemic turned us all into handwashing experts, and while we might not be scrubbing our hands raw anymore, the heightened focus on hygiene hasn’t gone away.
In fact, some of us are still wiping down groceries and sanitising surfaces like we’re in a sci-fi film. Clean freaks have truly come into their own, and even the rest of us are more mindful about germs than ever before.
Social Distancing – Personal Space, Please
One unexpected consequence of the pandemic was the widespread adoption of personal space. While social distancing rules have relaxed, many of us still find ourselves stepping back when someone stands too close in a queue.
It turns out, we quite like our space. There’s something refreshing about not having strangers breathing down your neck at the supermarket. While we’re no longer two metres apart, a bit of distance doesn’t seem like such a bad idea.
The Verdict: Some Things Are Here to Stay
So while much of the chaos of the pandemic is behind us, some of the habits we developed are likely to stick around. Whether it’s working from home, cooking more or simply valuing our personal space, these changes have become part of our daily lives. They might have started out of necessity, but they’ve stuck with us because, well, they just make life a bit easier. And who can argue with that?
* Image: Pexels