Living during a pandemic isn’t easy for anyone. In fact, it has made life super challenging. Since the COVID-19 outbreak, life has seemed surreal. Wearing a mask everywhere, constantly chatting online, and spending the majority of time inside has become the new normal. Because of the current circumstances, the future is unpredictable. However, daily refreshers of things to look forward to can help make the future seem brighter. Although the world seems complicated, there are many things to look forward to once the COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.
Going out to eat is a fun activity that has been paused due to COVID-19. Before COVID-19, restaurants were a place to interact with friends and family and explore new types of food. People thrive in this atmosphere. It is filled with chatter, laughter, delicious food, and people socializing outside of their homes. Restaurants provide people with many opportunities for date nights, birthday dinners, and time with friends. Going out to eat is such a simple idea that has been missed for months. Although it is such an effortless activity, going out to eat is an easy way to de-stress. Reopening restaurants is something to look forward to once the COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.
Attending a concert is another thing that has been put on pause. There have been many studies conducted that prove music is good for the mental health of human beings. Concerts provide people with a sense of community. Listening to live music with many other people has always been a beneficial activity for humans. Concerts have the ability to help one forget about their struggles, and instead relieve stress from the body. Doing so with friends, family, or other loved ones can make the experience even more memorable. Attending concerts is one activity that has been drastically missed since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Concerts make people happy, and they are definitely something for people to be excited about once they are back in session.
Little things that have been taken for granted is another thing to look forward to. This consists of many simple things such as receiving hugs, smiles, handshakes, and life without masks. Although masks are essential for the health and safety of all during the COVID-19 pandemic, they have gotten in the way of the simple things in life. Receiving a smile from anybody is such a little, yet impactful, way to brighten someone’s day. Hugging friends or family members is such an important embrace that has been forgotten. Handshakes are a gesture that symbolize respect and unity but are now avoided because of COVID-19. Although not being able to do these things has heavily impacted society, it has made the appreciation and excitement for the future even brighter.
Lastly, something that everybody is craving are in-person interactions. Since March, we have relied on Zoom, Skype, and FaceTime calls to communicate with people. Education, occupations, and even daily events have transitioned online. As a result, society has been deprived of the benefits of in-person socialization. In-person interactions can help people manage their stress and anxiety. Once in-person interactions are acceptable again, it will allow education, jobs, and other important parts of social life to also be in-person. This is something that everybody has been craving since the first week of quarantine.
So, many aspects of our lives have been affected by COVID-19. Although the restrictions have kept millions of people safe, many important parts of life have been put on hold. As a result, it has been easy for people to forget about the exciting parts of life that will take place in the future. The past election, spread of the virus, and cold weather has made life extremely stressful. However, it is important that people remind themselves that everything is temporary, and there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. We will soon be able to enjoy the things we have been without.