When the COVID-19 pandemic began to unravel at the start of 2020, many people did not foresee it to persist for as long as it has now – more than a year and counting.
It has given birth to the term “new normal,” which refers to the new way of living that we need to grow accustomed to – one that is drastically different from what we had been used to before the COVID-19 virus wreaked havoc around the world.
Rather than be caught up in frustration or denial, this new normal is definitely here and it could stay for much longer than we can imagine.
Thus, it is important to adapt and start getting used to the changes in our daily lifestyle in order to be safe from the virus.
Here are just some of the important habits to develop amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
1. Wearing Personal Protective Gear
Face masks have become an important part of our daily attire, especially when going out of our homes. While personal protective equipment such as disposable respirators and medical gloves are more appropriate in hospital and medical settings, you may find that cloth-based masks and hand protectors are more practical and economical for everyday use.
These apparel can be washed and reused for an extended period of time, and some even come with antimicrobial properties that provide an additional layer of protection for the wearer. Neck face masks are also available on the market these days. Styled like smaller neck gaiters, they are actually fitted to the person’s face for the wearer’s and other people’s protection.
2. Frequent Handwashing
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Even before the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, washing one’s hands has been an essential part of personal hygiene. We have been taught to do it mostly before eating and after going to the bathroom.
However, these days, experts are reminding us to wash our hands at any given opportunity during the day, especially when we go out of our homes.
This is to lower the risks of infection and contamination, just in case, we come into contact with people who are carriers of the virus or with surfaces that may contain respiratory droplets from those individuals.
3. Social Distancing
Humans, being social creatures, instinctively desire to touch or get close to their loved ones and friends.
However, in the new normal, these are actions that we need to unlearn, at least for the time being. Experts advise us to refrain from shaking hands, hugging, kissing, or doing other forms of affectionate touching.
Instead, we are being encouraged to stick to alternative forms of social greeting such as foot-tapping, doing air kisses, or even giving simple nods as a sign of acknowledgment.
4. Observing Rules of Respiratory Etiquette
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In school, we have long been taught basic etiquette such as covering our mouth with our elbow when we sneeze, cough, or yawn.
However, we all know for a fact that there are many cases when we simply don’t follow these rules of etiquette and take for granted the possibility that we may be spreading around viruses and bacteria.
The COVID-19 pandemic has been a wake-up call in that we can no longer afford to be lax about this matter. Now more than ever, you need to keep the welfare of other people in mind with your personal actions.
5. Staying Home More Often
These days, even the most introverted of people need to get used to the prospect of being locked down in their own homes for extended periods of time.
This is where your creativity and resourcefulness help in terms of coming up with indoor pastimes and activities that will allow you to relieve stress and anxiety over the uncertainty of the COVID-19 health crisis.
It also requires discipline and commitment to learning new skills such as cooking or even simply just washing the dishes, which we used to take for granted because of the ease and convenience of eating out.
There are many more aspects of daily living that are bound to be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The key is to keep an open mind and to be ready to take on these difficulties as challenges that will reward you with good health and safety from COVID-19.
About The Author:
“Angelica “Anj” De Jesus,23, is a content writer, a mom, and a marketing professional based in Manila, Philippines. She spends a lot of time studying how technology continues to transform lifestyles, fashion, businesses, and communities. Outside the office, she keeps herself busy by staying up-to-date with the latest fashion trends, reading about the newest gadgets out on the market, and of course spending time discovering different parenting skills that are best for her little boy.
