How Normal Will Normal Be?

It seems that our world flipped upside down rather abruptly, and normal made a hasty exit. Fear of our neighbors during Trader Joes runs and Youtube HIIT workouts quickly defined a twilight zone. Streamlined work suits collect dust in a closet, while a sweatsuit gets all the attention during Zoom conference calls. New Yorkers are actually using their kitchens to cook. And rest assured, dating continues through FaceTime, where both (or multiple) parties confess their life truths through a camera while sipping on red wine.

The sci-fi parallel universe that was ushered in by COVID-19 continues as people try to go about their daily routine. And with the seemingly apocalyptic state, society turns its eye to the day our lives return back to normal. But with all that we know now, what will “normal” mean? All components of life– travel, fitness, social, etc.– are going to undergo an inevitable redefinition when these unprecedented times finally pass. The following are a few assumptions, maybe even suggestions, of what will be the new normal when we are free of this pandemic.

Will we travel less?

Somewhere, a globetrotter is weeping. Whether it’s for business or for play, this might be a hard truth to accept. Flight frequency is sure to be scaled down and airlines will have to develop a better sanitation protocol. As for the travelers? It’s best to be wary about traveling frequently– especially in the beginning. We all know that airports are an epicenter for germs and it’s best to keep visits to a minimum. For those who can’t resist, I think it’s good to reference supermodel Naomi Campbell’s airport routine.

Long-Live Yoga From Home

Before, working out with 30 other people in a small, dark and humid room was exponentially glamourized. Who knew that being extremely sweaty while basically breathing down each other’s backs would be labeled as ‘community’? When this pandemic subsides, hopefully, these fitness practices do too. The number of workout classes we take may (or should) be less frequent and our new discoveries of online workout classes may continue to be a good substitution. At least you’ll be saving a bit of extra cash while staying safe.

The Death of the Crowded Bar

Social distancing is reminiscent of an ideology taught from a very young age: personal space. The phrase is a subtle reminder that crowded areas filled with rambunctious people are not only incredibly annoying, but also potentially dangerous. It might be a good idea for businesses to reinforce or revise their capacity limits once bars, restaurants, concert halls, and all other venue spaces begin to open up. Meanwhile, people should take into consideration how many people are congregated in the space; less is definitely better in this scenario.

To-Go Sanitizer

If it wasn’t an essential before, then it is now. Hand sanitizer is sure to join the established trifecta of keys, wallet and phone. I’m not sure how we missed this before, but sanitizing your hands after any public appearance will be a new habit picked up from this pandemic. City slickers will need to up their practice and should sanitize after everything; runs to the grocery store, workouts, and especially after taking the subway.

Yes, Health Matters

Long gone are the days when illness would hardly matter in the working world; when companies would only allow for a certain amount of ‘sick leave,’ regardless of the actual state of those requesting.If there’s anything we can note post-pandemic, it’s that health and wellness matter. Our business-orientated society originally put pressure on those feeling unwell, and hopefully post-pandemic sheds light on this wrongdoing. Life, irrefutably, should be at the forefront of our concerns.