As we approach the end of our third lockdown, it is time to plan for life after Covid
THE last year of lockdowns, social distancing, and restrictions has impacted almost every area of our lives; from the way we work to the way we love.
With the end of lockdown in sight, we can begin to see light at the end of the tunnel and look at how we can all start to get back to normal.
This Get-Out Guide is a call to arms for people wanting to get their mojo back in a post-lockdown world. For this survive and thrive manual, we spoke to experts in four fields to help you get back on track.
Dating
The pandemic would have been a much lonelier place for singletons without Tinder and other dating apps. For the past 12 months, it has been almost the only option for getting to know new people.
Now the loneliness epidemic is coming to an end it could feel scary going back to meeting people in real life. So, how do we learn to interact with strangers again?
The website, DATEnhance, has compiled a report on the future of online dating.
According to its research, 60% of online users are experiencing fear of meeting up, or FOMU, as couples who met virtually are starting to meet up in person.
Staying safe is a main priority. Bumble has allowed users to filter potential matches based on how they wanted to date; “virtual-only” or “socially distanced with a mask”.
So, what do love experts think will happen? Hayley Quinn, a love coach who spoke to DATEnhance, said: “I think dating app usage will keep growing. I also believe commitment is going to have a real comeback. Lockdown made us all reflect on what we’re missing out on in our lives, and many people will want to make up for this lost year of dating.”
Going back to the gym
Online workouts took centre stage when gyms and leisure centres were forced to close, those who could afford it ordered Pelotons as a substitute. Others took to running and cycling to replace team sports.
Owen Edwards, owner of The Studio Gym, Cardiff, gave the following tips to help readjust to normal gym life again.
“Many clients have spent almost a year away from the gym. To dive straight in would more than likely result in injury, so we need to gradually reintroduce our clients to training. As soon as we’re given the green light to host classes at full capacity again, we’ll no doubt organise a Studio social.
“Take this as an opportunity to almost start from scratch. We rarely have a chance to stop and reflect but everyone has been forced to slow down and do just that over lockdown. What are your goals, what can you realistically commit to, have you ignored any niggling injuries, did your old routine work for you?
“Find a gym or personal trainer who will support these goals, don’t be tempted to run straight back to your old routine or familiar piece of equipment. This is a rare opportunity to start new fitness habits.”
Travelling
The Stay At Home message left many of us reluctant to step out of the front door, so it’s understandable to feel anxious about travelling.
Alexandria Mills, a graduate travel blogger, is looking forward to getting her freedom back. But, in reality, the idea of travelling somewhere seems futile and too risky.
“I am anxious about having to adapt to other countries’ COVID-19 measures. As the UK may be easing, there are other countries that are still in a very dire situation. I am due to fly to Spain to teach children in the next few months. The idea of getting to Spain fills me with anxiety.
“By getting back into the swing of things I’m hoping it will make it easier to return back to how things used to be and not dwell on what we cannot change in the past. I would also like to take the opportunity to go around the UK, especially as other countries may not have got on top of the Covid situation.”
With this in mind, if a holiday abroad is off the cards this summer, then a UK staycation might be more reassuring.
According to VisitBritain, their annual forecast has predicted 11.7 million visits in 2021 for inbound tourism; and £6.6 billion to be spent by inbound tourists. Private, self-catered getaways are at the top of the travel wish list right now and are the most desirable kind of holiday when restrictions allow.
Social Life
With human social contact feeling like a distant memory, friends and family are desperate to re-connect.
However, despite the obvious negatives of lockdown, many have surprisingly enjoyed removing social commitments. Madeleine Bourne, a Bristol-based lifestyle journalist, says she has spent more quality time with her partner and doing things she usually wouldn’t.
“No commuting has been a joy. I also savour being outside more on my daily walks and find myself being much more present in the moment. I’m going to find it hard to adjust, but I know how quickly we adapt to new situations, so I’m sure I’ll get used to it again soon. I’m also a bit anxious about the pressure to be doing absolutely everything, such as as many social activities as possible in a week.”
“I’m going to go at my own pace and not compare myself to what others are doing – I think that’s key. I’ve got some social events planned which I’m both excited for and a little anxious about, and I’m getting into a beer garden the second I can!
“I’m just going to spend quality time with loved ones, not worry about whether I’m doing ‘enough’, and just take it slow! We’ll all be easing ourselves back into society in a way that works for us and we shouldn’t succumb to any pressure.”
The Mental Health Foundation concluded that the gradual easing of lockdown would bring many mental challenges such as fear and anxiety. It is offering advice on how to pick up your social life again, including pacing yourself and focusing on the present.
If COVID-19 has taught us anything it is that life is precious. Last year saw a huge shift in priorities and going back to the normal world is scary. Talk to people, step into it slowly, and don’t let anyone force you back until you’re ready. To find out more:
