New Habits from COVID-19 and the New Normal

Posted by Teresa, Volunteer Mentor @hopeful33250, Apr 13, 2020

We are all looking forward to the future and going back to the former way of life that we enjoyed pre-COVID-19. But I've been reflecting on some of the adaptations in my behavior and attitude that I've been forced to make that I'd actually like to keep when the restrictions are lifted. For example, I intend to continue to wash my hands more diligently and likely more frequently as I've been doing these past weeks. I'd also like to retain the slower pace for as long as I'm able. It's a pleasure to not be rushing around so much. When the busy-ness of life returns, I hope I can continue to insert slow into my day, at least for part of it. I'm planning on appreciating the medical community more (who have made so many sacrifices during this time) rather than criticizing them for what I perceive are their inadequacies.

Is there something you have learned during this time (perhaps a new habit or attitude that you've adopted) that you hope to keep doing after the COVID restrictions are lifted?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Post-COVID Recovery & COVID-19 Support Group.

I just watched a news segment, where the Governor of California was telling his constituents what eating at a restaurant would look like going forward. Waiters in masks(maybe) but gloved. I’m sure California will not be the only state . For a moment, I felt dread. Not even sure why. Or maybe it was sadness or a longing for my “old” normal. I have considered myself an adaptable individual. Learned from a young age that life can turn on a dime. But, this will take some getting used to, I think. So, I will We, will do just that. Remember when dentists (my dentist) didn’t wear gloves and/or masks? Now, when I think of that, it kind of grosses me out. I’ve said to friends “maybe we have forgotten the basics”, common sense hygiene; and assuming other countries have our practices. I think I’m going to be much more cautious; and take responsibility for my life and for those who are around me. Wearing a mask is not fun. I don’t care how cute it is. But, if keeps me and others safe, I’m on board. New fashion statement? Maybe. How adaptable are you when facing our “new” normal? Are you all in or still skeptical? What new behaviors have you embraced?

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@virgo1952

I just watched a news segment, where the Governor of California was telling his constituents what eating at a restaurant would look like going forward. Waiters in masks(maybe) but gloved. I’m sure California will not be the only state . For a moment, I felt dread. Not even sure why. Or maybe it was sadness or a longing for my “old” normal. I have considered myself an adaptable individual. Learned from a young age that life can turn on a dime. But, this will take some getting used to, I think. So, I will We, will do just that. Remember when dentists (my dentist) didn’t wear gloves and/or masks? Now, when I think of that, it kind of grosses me out. I’ve said to friends “maybe we have forgotten the basics”, common sense hygiene; and assuming other countries have our practices. I think I’m going to be much more cautious; and take responsibility for my life and for those who are around me. Wearing a mask is not fun. I don’t care how cute it is. But, if keeps me and others safe, I’m on board. New fashion statement? Maybe. How adaptable are you when facing our “new” normal? Are you all in or still skeptical? What new behaviors have you embraced?

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Great post, @virgo1952 questioning what will be the new normal and what habits adopted during COVID-19 might we want to continue post virus. You'll notice that I moved your message to this existing discussion that @hopeful33250 started looking for exactly these kind of ideas.

I might, as a waiter, appreciate being gloved. Do you think masks will become the norm even after this virus passes?

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@colleenyoung

Great post, @virgo1952 questioning what will be the new normal and what habits adopted during COVID-19 might we want to continue post virus. You'll notice that I moved your message to this existing discussion that @hopeful33250 started looking for exactly these kind of ideas.

I might, as a waiter, appreciate being gloved. Do you think masks will become the norm even after this virus passes?

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Thank you. I am still trying to learn where everything should go🤪 i will address those questions and (as you probably know by now) I am never at a lost for words!!! Check out my lake update under John’s visual arts. No babies yet☹️

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@virgo1952

Thank you. I am still trying to learn where everything should go🤪 i will address those questions and (as you probably know by now) I am never at a lost for words!!! Check out my lake update under John’s visual arts. No babies yet☹️

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The new norm? Face masks, like seat belts, putting a law into effect where it costs us $, and educating us by showing us the stark realities of covid-19, may be the only way people will incorporate masks into their daily lives. Disasters, pandemics, unlike personal tragedy, are remembered but not in way where we are unable to move forward. Although, I will say people not conforming will be opening themselves to peer pressure/criticism/ and calling out. Social media at it’s best and worst. Will this saves lives? Is this enough for people to follow daily? Not sure.

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@virgo1952

The new norm? Face masks, like seat belts, putting a law into effect where it costs us $, and educating us by showing us the stark realities of covid-19, may be the only way people will incorporate masks into their daily lives. Disasters, pandemics, unlike personal tragedy, are remembered but not in way where we are unable to move forward. Although, I will say people not conforming will be opening themselves to peer pressure/criticism/ and calling out. Social media at it’s best and worst. Will this saves lives? Is this enough for people to follow daily? Not sure.

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@virgo1952.. I'm not sure we can go back to our "norm" anymore. Looking back, we've really taken for granted alot of things. I don't think I can go to any buffet or salad bars anymore. My friend and I used to love going to Whole Foods to get lunch. They have self serve counters, he's vegan and I'm not, so he gets what he wants and I get what I want. I don't think we'll be doing that anymore. I have no problem wearing masks, it's a courtesy and safety practice in Asia. I sadly canceled my membership to a massage spa, the only luxury I treat myself. I'm looking forward to going grocery shopping at my favorite store and sharing meals with my family and friends without worrying. My daughter said she thinks her life will never be the same again. This is what alot of us feel, the loss of control. At the same time, we may have to give up some of that control for the greater good of mankind. There has to be a balance, no?

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Yes, a balance will be required. Your well worded post provides some of the waypoints which will drive the equilibrium necessary for our “new normal”.

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@elwoodsdad. Yep. Though I gotta say your post was much more elegant than mine. You sound like you’ve been around policy and procedure making in your life (Your vocabulary) Thank you for your compliment virgo

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@mayofeb2020

@virgo1952.. I'm not sure we can go back to our "norm" anymore. Looking back, we've really taken for granted alot of things. I don't think I can go to any buffet or salad bars anymore. My friend and I used to love going to Whole Foods to get lunch. They have self serve counters, he's vegan and I'm not, so he gets what he wants and I get what I want. I don't think we'll be doing that anymore. I have no problem wearing masks, it's a courtesy and safety practice in Asia. I sadly canceled my membership to a massage spa, the only luxury I treat myself. I'm looking forward to going grocery shopping at my favorite store and sharing meals with my family and friends without worrying. My daughter said she thinks her life will never be the same again. This is what alot of us feel, the loss of control. At the same time, we may have to give up some of that control for the greater good of mankind. There has to be a balance, no?

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@mayofeb2020. Thank you so much for weighing in. Definitely, I hear sadness and loss (no brainier on my part) Yea, I found myself changing my life style 9-10 yrs ago (time flys) both for my husband and I. We decided that what you eat, what you do, so on decides your quality of life (ours) We’re not vegan, so we just try to make good choices for us. I think it’s an individual decision, how you map that out. Whole Foods? Are you on the west coast? We love that store. We go to Portland, Oregon and always go just to look at everything. It’s gorgeous. I don’t know how old your daughter is, but I’m hoping younger people are not “fear” driven; they make decisions based on empowerment. Realize that it’s a “problem” to be solved and we humans are a smart bunch. I plan on continuing to entertain my family and friends with the expectation that they are being responsible beings. I don’t think that’s a unreasonable request. Take card virgo

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@virgo1952

@mayofeb2020. Thank you so much for weighing in. Definitely, I hear sadness and loss (no brainier on my part) Yea, I found myself changing my life style 9-10 yrs ago (time flys) both for my husband and I. We decided that what you eat, what you do, so on decides your quality of life (ours) We’re not vegan, so we just try to make good choices for us. I think it’s an individual decision, how you map that out. Whole Foods? Are you on the west coast? We love that store. We go to Portland, Oregon and always go just to look at everything. It’s gorgeous. I don’t know how old your daughter is, but I’m hoping younger people are not “fear” driven; they make decisions based on empowerment. Realize that it’s a “problem” to be solved and we humans are a smart bunch. I plan on continuing to entertain my family and friends with the expectation that they are being responsible beings. I don’t think that’s a unreasonable request. Take card virgo

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PS Sounds like the “vegan” guy needs to learn the art of massage. Don’t you think??!

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@virgo1952

I just watched a news segment, where the Governor of California was telling his constituents what eating at a restaurant would look like going forward. Waiters in masks(maybe) but gloved. I’m sure California will not be the only state . For a moment, I felt dread. Not even sure why. Or maybe it was sadness or a longing for my “old” normal. I have considered myself an adaptable individual. Learned from a young age that life can turn on a dime. But, this will take some getting used to, I think. So, I will We, will do just that. Remember when dentists (my dentist) didn’t wear gloves and/or masks? Now, when I think of that, it kind of grosses me out. I’ve said to friends “maybe we have forgotten the basics”, common sense hygiene; and assuming other countries have our practices. I think I’m going to be much more cautious; and take responsibility for my life and for those who are around me. Wearing a mask is not fun. I don’t care how cute it is. But, if keeps me and others safe, I’m on board. New fashion statement? Maybe. How adaptable are you when facing our “new” normal? Are you all in or still skeptical? What new behaviors have you embraced?

Jump to this post

Thanks. Hey Colleen moved this to your discussion area. I didn’t realize that you had started this conversation. Still a newbie (somewhat) i pretty much fall over something then it catches my attention. Glad I could weigh in on your discussion virgo

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