Getting Back To Normal

For the past eighteen months, the world has been in the middle of a pandemic and everyone has been excited to get back to normal and put the world back to the way it was before. The problem with a pandemic is that it shows that the normal we once had wasn’t actually a good thing. It was what led to the pandemic spreading so quickly in the first place. The idea of normal is not going to be the same as it once was, and that’s something to get used to, too.

The light at the end of the tunnel is becoming brighter, though we are now living in a world where we need a COVID API to figure out all of the information and updates that involve the pandemic. We have to adapt so that we can get through COVID and come out of the other side in a way that doesn’t risk another pandemic eventually.

So, what should we expect? And how can we get back to normal?

1. Be realistic. You have to be realistic in your expectations of the world when you go back into it. You might be anxious about the whole thing, and that’s perfectly fine. In addition, you might feel like social interactions are awkward after spending so long indoors and away from other people. You might even worry about returning to work because working isn’t going to be the same when you have to wear masks. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to adapt quickly; give yourself the time you need.
2. Continue to be mindful. Getting vaccinated, washing hands, maintaining distance, wearing masks – this is the new normal. You can live in a way that allows you to be mindful and still find the new normal easy to live with. You need to remember that you can allocate your time and energy in a way that allows you to live as simply and mindfully as possible throughout the reintegration into society.
3. Keep track of your activities. As much as possible you need to be balanced in your work and play activities. Keep doing things that are pleasurable and that make you happy, and balance that with returning to work. Get to know all of the options for going back to work. Especially if you can work from home part of the time. 
4. Remember that it’s time for growth. This is a period of adjustment and that doesn’t mean that you can’t grow as a person. You are much more likely to pursue things that make you feel motivated and happy. It’s time to improve and grow now that your life is returning to some semblance of normal.
5. Pay it forward. If you are healthy and vaccinated, it’s likely you can return to most of your normal activities. You will be in the right group for growth if you are watching your health and paying attention to science. Recognise you are in a privileged position if you can get back to normal once you’re vaccinated.