A year has passed since a pandemic was declared and everyone in the majority of the world hunkered down indoors in an attempt to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Although the return of normal life is still far away, at least for many countries, the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel can now be seen. Even the Philippines have begun mass vaccination against the illness that started spreading in Wuhan, China in late 2019.

Many people are starting to prepare to go out of the safety of their own homes and reintegrate into society without fear of the virus. In the United States, where a huge percentage of the population has achieved immunity, sales of going-out clothes, shoes, jewelry, bags, and other merchandise are bouncing back as shoppers anticipate the return of office, school, parties, and in-person interaction.

However, a year under lockdown has changed most aspects of everyday life. 

Going back to how things were pre-pandemic would not be easy or seamless. 

Here are ways to prepare yourself for life after COVID-19.

Losing the Pandemic Weight

Weight gain was common during the pandemic. Because people are spending more time indoors, they lose opportunities to be physically active. Many found their diets changing in the past year because they were ordering in or they were experimenting more in the kitchen.

Others coped with the stress and anxiety that came with the public health and economic crisis through food.

Gaining weight is not something to be ashamed of. However, it is always better to shed excess pounds not to adhere to the restrictive societal standards of beauty, but to be healthy.

Many Filipinos have been exercising despite gym closures. A survey conducted by Kantar found that 77 percent of respondents turned to online workouts during the pandemic, an increase from 35 percent prior.

Exercising alone will not bring back your pre-pandemic physique. In addition, you should also watch what, how much, and how frequently you eat. You need to also cut down on snacking on calorie-dense but nutrient-empty food which will lead to weight gain.

Some may also need to undergo abody contouring procedure, a cosmetic treatment that removes excess fat and loose skin. Clinics in the U.S. are seeing an increase in the number of clients who want to sculpt their bodies as restrictions start to be lifted. In-person meetings will soon be permitted as the nation sprints toward herd immunity. The Philippines could also see an increase of people seeking cosmetic services when the present surge of cases becomes manageable.

From Hermit to Social Butterfly

Spending time indoors in the past year has also led to anxiety. There were little to no opportunities to interact with another person outside of your immediate family. Friendships had to be maintained over the internet.

Needless to say, for many people, their social skills have gone rusty. Worse, they have developed anxiety over socialization.

Once lockdowns are lifted and it is safe again to interact with others, people who have developed or had increased feelings of social anxiety in the past year should ease themselves into returning to normal. Keep your first meetings limited to only your closest friends.

Moreover, therapy will improve your state of mind. It is never too early or too late to talk to a mental health professional about your negative feelings, especially because of the pandemic.

Back to the Daily Grind

People created new routines during the pandemic, some of which might not be healthy. However, soon, work or classes will return and everyone will be forced out of their homes and into their offices or school. When that happens, you will need to relearn your old habits.

If you have spent the past year sleeping and waking up later, you would need to readjust your sleeping schedule. During the pandemic, with remote work and classes, the usual reason people get up early - traffic - is gone. But, post-pandemic, expect the traffic situation to return to how it has always been: bad.

Motivation may also elude you when you go back to the office or school after the pandemic. Creating a schedule for your day, and following it through, will help you be productive and aid you in developing a new routine.

The pandemic upended the lives of every person on Earth. Expect it to change your life in different ways. Everybody is going through the same awful situation and struggling with similar challenges. When the pandemic ends, which will happen at some point, you will emerge stronger and more resilient than ever. 

Remember to just ease into it. Recognize if you need help and ask for help.