4 Major Changes The Pandemic Has Brought

​To be alive is to have stressful experiences, but none of us could have prepared for the stress, changes, and challenges that this global health crisis would bring. Although this pandemic is a very confusing and challenging time for many people, it is definitely giving humanity a rare chance to learn some hard lessons.

Ways the Pandemic Has Changed Our Lives

From the way we travel to how we shop for groceries, how we perceive family and friends to how we study, and so much more, this pandemic has changed almost everything we once considered normal. According to some, many of the ways people are adapting will echo for many years to come. Here are four areas where the outbreak had the most apparent changes — whether by force or by choice — and how they all have their benefits.

Virtual Everything

Getting virtually educated, shopping for groceries, attending church services, and even hugs — almost everything has gone virtual, enabling people to connect from wherever they may be. Despite not being able to attend meetings and events in person, people can now plan and prepare for virtual celebrations using a slew of readily accessible tech tools.

However, too much technology can also take a toll on your mental health. It’s important, therefore, to strike a balance with some healthy, mindful practices.

Working From Home

The crisis forced tens of millions of employees to work from home, but most of them like this new arrangement. Those who did not have this experience before found it more relaxing to telecommute. However, there are also some who find it hard to balance working from home, taking care of the kids, and other responsibilities. Also, some lost their jobs because of the pandemic. But for some now unemployed, this was a chance to reconnect with their dreams and start businesses of their own.

Starting a business has its own advantages, but to make it work, you need to know a few basic things, including which business structure best fits your venture. New and small startups are better off with the LLC business model since it offers little paperwork, limited liability, tax benefits, and more flexibility. While limited liability protects personal assets if things go south, the tax benefits you get by forming an LLC are plenty and perhaps the main reason why you should choose this structure.

You can fill in the paperwork with the state yourself after you've checked the regulations in yours. If you're not keen to handle this part by yourself, though, consider hiring a formation service that can do the job for you cheaper than a lawyer.

Healthier Habits

Online purchases and home delivery services have increased tremendously during the last year, and it's no surprise. Most people now prefer to use apps to order the groceries and household items they need. By getting food delivered to home, they avoid impulse shopping (especially when hungry!) and hitting drive-throughs. Not only does this help with healthier eating habits, they are building more frugal spending habits.

People are being more mindful of what they eat and their overall health as a result, and Wellness programs like Whole Being Wellness Coaching are more invaluable than ever. Health coaching can help you identify and adopt lifestyle changes to improve your eating habits, movement, stress levels, sleep and more. And by finding better methods to stay healthy and fit, you can also see and feel the benefits of self-care and come up with more ways to incorporate it into your daily routine.

Take-out, ‘Streateries,’ and Igloos​

In spite of capacity restrictions, significant job losses, and temporary closings, many restaurants have survived by creating new ways to serve customers. Although take-out has always been a practice at most restaurants, many food establishments had to only rely on delivery during the crisis. Streateries — that is, outdoor eating areas at restaurants — appeared not long after it was established that outdoor dining is safer than indoors, as well as novelty igloos.

Every Negative Has a Positive

Perhaps everyone is still wondering what will come out of this crisis and if these new norms are here to stay. That is yet to be seen. And although most of these changes have been forced, we can exercise our right to decide what benefits we can get from them.

If the pandemic or any other reason made you take your well-being and health seriously, Beth can help you pursue your newfound aspirations. Contact Beth of Whole Being Wellness Coaching to book a consultation.

About the Author

Jennifer Scott is a lifelong sufferer of anxiety and depression. A single mom, she writes about the ups and downs of her mental illness on SpiritFinder.org. The blog serves as both a source of information for people with mental illness and a forum where those living with anxiety and depression can come together to discuss their experiences.