With significantly more free time , we are constantly finding ways to keep ourselves occupied . Whether it is creating art or building up some muscle , we never seem to run out of possible activities . However , the pandemic will not last forever , and once it is over , most of us will no longer have the amount of free time we have now .
This raises a question for us to answer in our post-pandemic lives : which new quarantine practices do we keep and which ones do we let go ?
Before the pandemic , many individuals were very reluctant towards the idea of online shopping . Now , it has become an integral part of many people ’ s daily lives , especially since many essential materials and forms of entertainment are more difficult to access during quarantine and times of lockdown . With the convenience and safety offered by online buying and selling , it is not difficult to see online shopping still being present long after the pandemic .
Similarly , many businesses and schools have decided to continue operations through online means . Food and service businesses have also adapted through the use of delivery services . Employees have started working from home , but unfortunately , many suffered because work-from-home is not entirely applicable to their field of work . Through the use of online learning , education has also adapted . With the use of video conferencing platforms such as Zoom and Google Meet , many educational institutions have started offering online classes which bring teachers and students together despite the pandemic . Though these things are unlikely to stick around in the mainstream after the pandemic , some businesses and institutions may be more receptive and prepared for these practices in the future .
Early into quarantine , many people would also look for different forms of entertainment that do not require the person to go outside , such as movies and TV shows . Free time was seemingly infinite , and one was able to finish any given series in no time . Once the pandemic is over , however , free time will be less abundant and it is likely that one will not be able to dedicate as much time to watch as many movies and shows .
This means that one must become more careful and selective for what to watch next .
Likewise , people had more than enough time to play video games . Many would even play with other people for hours on end . Gaming is undeniably one of the most enjoyable forms of entertainment , especially with our current state of quarantine , as it provides one with enjoyable gameplay , and in some situations , a way to socialize with other people . This is especially true with many multiplayer games such as Minecraft and Among Us , which skyrocketed in popularity during the pandemic . It is likely that after the pandemic , though , that video games will once again be played more sparingly by most people , as other forms of social interaction will be available and free time becomes less abundant .
Many also began to start learning new skills in the later stages of quarantine . Skills that require much individual practice such as instruments and the arts have much potential to flourish during the current situation . If the time given during the quarantine is used wisely , one can hone these skills more rapidly and establish a proper work ethic . All these are beneficial for one ’ s development even after the pandemic .
Developing one ’ s skills would benefit from developing one ’ s own body . Due to our inability to go outside most of the time , staying in shape is also difficult . In order to stay fit while indoors , many have started exercising more . Ideally , many would be able to continue doing their exercise routines long after the pandemic .
Though the state of the country is dire and the end of the pandemic is still far from sight , one must still find ways to take advantage of the current situation . Let us not waste the time we were given , as we could use it to gather more knowledge and learn new skills which may prove beneficial even after the pandemic .
No one is able to say with certainty what the world after the pandemic will look like , but it is certain that many people will come out with a deeper appreciation for the outside world .
LOOKING FORWARD
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