The Coronavirus has impacted our everyday lives, and it is hard being in the thick of it and to looking forward. As a society, we often take for granted the little things; whether it be our morning cup of coffee or a leisurely trip to the mall. I know I have struggled with what our new normal has become and what it will be one day. There is a calm that comes with planning for a future when this is in our rearview mirror. The solace of normalcy is nothing I will take for granted ever again.
One of the ways I have calmed my nerves during this unsure time is figuring out what I will do once this is over. I have spoken to many people aged five to seventy and the responses on what they were looking forward to were sweet and simple. While many joked about needing to get pampering appointments many said that they’re looking forward to feeling themselves again. From haircuts to manicures and facials, many are looking to treat themselves for dealing with this stressful time. Michelle Healey, a beverage sales manager from East Meadow, N.Y. said she “wants to feel like her best self again when getting back into her routines.” She noted that she’s lucky to still be working but acknowledged that it does not feel normal. Many noted that especially during times like these, self-care was not something to take lightly. “It’s the little things we can do that undeniably make us feel more ourselves,” said Healey.
More people than not said one of the upsides of this quarantine is that they’ve learned a new skill. Many people said that they’re looking forward to cooking more after this is over. Christina Alvarez a student at Long Island University Brooklyn said she has learned countless new recipes and is excited to pick up new hobbies during this time. Though she is out of work as a waitress, she said she’s saving money by staying in and cooking and seems optimistic she will be able to get back to work this year. “It won’t hurt being able to cook more and save money once this is all over too,” she said. Though it’s definitely important to support local businesses, many new recipes have been learned in our very own kitchens. I found interesting the differences in answers dependent on age. More millennials answered that they were looking forward to going out to bars and restaurants. Though they’re happy about saving money, the loss of experience is definitely felt. Though no one is jumping to be back in the overly crowded bars and restaurants they once frequented, with some changes they would be willing. Noting that the industry much like many others will have to pivot. Stores and restaurants making changes that otherwise probably wouldn’t be made will be interesting to follow.
From the plethora of answers I got, the most common answer to what people are looking forward to after this is being able to see their loved ones. Most said they were looking forward to hugging their family and friends they are not quarantined with. One of the positives of this is the way in which people have adapted to communicating. From family facetime game nights to virtual “watch” parties many people are being resourceful and creative in maintaining their relationships. I think this will definitely continue once things hopefully go back to normal. Though there is a lot of unknowns right now, we do know that changes will be made once things go back to the “new normal.”
