As gyms, pubs and more start reopening, some of us can begin getting back to pre-lockdown routines – but is that what we really want? What have you learnt from lockdown?
The UK going into lockdown meant big changes to the way we live our lives; exercise, visits to the pub, holidays, music – all either cancelled or quickly having to adapt to survive.
These were sudden and dramatic changes, so how do you feel you’ve adjusted over time?
Events become streams
I’m a huge music lover and usually spend my summers outdoors at festivals and gigs, so 2020 has seemed very empty.
Missing out on all those activities has been a shame, but we’ve now started to see events move to live streamings featuring direct chats with friends and other fans while the artist performs.
We’ve even seen the start of socially-distanced gigs, which has split opinion!
Sam Fender had a concert in Newcastle, England on what promoters called, the "world's first socially-distanced gig."
Are you here for this new concert experience? 🎫 pic.twitter.com/9k4dUUK1zx
— Pop Crave (@PopCraveMusic) August 13, 2020
I was hesitant at first, but I can see the benefits of live streams – you have the comfort of your own home, no travel, no cost of flights or trains or hotels, and no need to buy pricey drinks and food!
The interaction isn’t quite the same, and I miss the atmosphere, but I’m pleased there are alternatives.
Could cinema also be forced into a rethink?
Working out the new normal
Gyms began to open last month with social distancing measures put in place, but many workout and fitness classes long since moved online from the safety of your home or garden.
Has that brought about a more permanent change? As with outdoor events, there are plenty of benefits; cheaper, no travel, time saved.
A friend of mine who’s a personal trainer was devastated when she was forced to leave the gym in March but, by July, she had moved all her classes to the park where she doesn’t need to pay for the use of the gym to train her clients.
She’s now going to continue to use the park instead during the summer, and then consider her options once the weather gets colder and the evenings draw in.
Have your routines and habits changed during the pandemic? How do you think you’ll adapt in the future?
Let me know your experiences in the comments.