The COVID-19 pandemic has completely changed our lives. A lot of people lost their jobs. A lot of  entrepreneurs are struggling to keep their businesses afloat. And even kids are afraid to go back to school.

While the pandemic has been a difficult time for many of us, it also brought about some positive changes. In fact, it has allowed us to develop new habits, and many people are saying they want to maintain these new habits in the post-pandemic world.

Here are 4 ways the pandemic has changed our lives for the better.

Reaching out to famly and friends

With stay-at-home and social distancing orders in place, it is easier to feel depresed and isolated form the world. This is especially true for those who live alone. For these people, the only way for them to cope is by keeping in touch with their family and friends.

Suddenly, more and more people are connecting with their loved ones. Not only did it help them feel less lonely, it also helped reduce their stress and anxiety.

Zoom and social media has allowed people to reconnect with family friends, no matter where they are in the world.

Spending more time in nature

The lockdown has forced us to stay inside our homes for weeks to months on end. Once it was over, people have been excited to go out.

Parents want to give their kids a chance to run around and release some energy. For many, getting outdoors has been a crucial way for them to maintain their sanity. Now that things are slowly getting back to normal, more and more people are starting to appreciate spending time in nature. Some even started gardening as a way to cope up with lockdown.

Slowing down

Let’s face it. Before the pandemic, many of us would work long hours at the office. Some would even work during weekends.

Now that a lot of people are working from home, it has given them the opportunity to slow down a little and actually spend time with their family. Quarantine has forced people to realize that not every waking moment has to be filled with a commitment of some kind.

Reducing consumerism

For many people, retail therapy has been an effective way to reduce stress. Others would treat themselves to some expensive items because they deserve it.

Over the last 5 months, many people said they spent less money on material good such as clothes, bags, and gadgets. Since a lot of restaurants were closed, many people were forced to eat in. Some have even discovered a taste for home-cooked meals, and noted that they plan to eat less often at restaurants.