Note: I understand that there are relevant arguments about whether there is such a thing as “normal” again or if this is just a lull in a potentially more complex issue. But for this article, I will assume that things are finally looking up. 

The current media messaging on all platforms and channels points to the alleged return to normal. After two and a half years spent in the physical and psychological confines of the pandemic, we are being coaxed to start stopping into the office, mingle with colleagues face to face, attend in-person gatherings, and travel if we so desire.

I’ve missed outside in all of its forms: Going to the gym, my favourite restaurants, seeing friends, and dabbling in my “outside clothes” wardrobe again (if everything still fits like it did in March 2020. I’ve yet to check).

But at the same time, I also can’t help but wonder if a) am I mentally and emotionally equipped yet to pull off the return to regular life? And b) should I be approaching real-life precisely how I remember it from over two years ago?

Now might be a good time to re-evaluate how we want to return with purpose and intentionality in all significant areas of our life. Intentional living may sound like just another buzzword these days. It may sound vague, complicated or something associated with a new-age lifestyle. But realistically, living purposefully as we ease back into regular life is doable and can benefit us, our communities, and our environment.

Below are six areas in which we can practice mindful living with a gradual return to normal:          

Consumerism

Now would be an excellent time to take stock of how many clothes we need in our wardrobe, how many trips we need to take to feel like we’re having fun, and how much money we spend on eating and drinking out. My guilty pleasure pre-pandemic was costly fitness classes like spin and reformer Pilates. As effective as these workouts were, I did manage perfectly fine with YouTube videos, a yoga mat, and free weights for the last two-plus years. So that is something I should reflect on.

Understandably, many businesses want to make up for lost time by encouraging us as consumers to see value in what they offer and spend our money accordingly – This is especially true for local small businesses, which I will always support.

But if intentional consumerism is what we’re going for, then it would be practical to re-evaluate our core needs before we start spending money unnecessarily. It would also preserve production and disposal resources for the items we want and the ones we no longer do.

I’ve recently discussed some things I thought I needed to be happy but I don’t in this post. You can have a read and let me know if you can relate in the comments down below.

Time

Prioritize your value-based activities and schedule time for those items first before any other distractions take over. Think back to your pre-pandemic life and write down what it looked like. Then write down what your life looks like now – how you spend your days and weeks. Analyze what worked for you then and now and gravitate away from what wasn’t working. This way, you won’t get swept up in everything the world has to offer once we start leaving our homes consistently.

Work-Life balance

Work-life balance is the relationship your work and personal lives have with each other. Since the pandemic and the life changes that came with it, its become even more critical that companies take the well-being of their employees seriously.

People want to take ownership of their lives. The idea of spending eight-plus of our waking hours solely in the company of the people with whom we work is no longer a sustainable option. The pandemic simultaneously gave families quality time together while also helping families with young children save money on daycare. It’s a combination that few people would be willing to give up too quickly.

With well-known companies like Spotify, Shopify, and Twitter offering permanently remote working options, it would be crucial for other companies to follow suit if they want to retain talent on a long-term basis.

Finances

A fact that is currently hard to ignore – everyday life is becoming more costly. Inflation has soared during the economic recovery period of the pandemic. Now would be the optimal time to focus on building an intentional financial plan. What makes this process complex is not the fixed costs in our lives, but more so the variables – Things like gas, personal care expenses, home renovations, and entertainment can all be monitored and adjusted once we know exactly what our needs are.

Socializing

How to recreate a social life after two years of enforced social distancing? That is the question. What’s the etiquette around accepting or declining all of the invitations that may come our way? 

It’s perfectly acceptable to take the time to determine your comfort levels with these activities. You don’t have to attend every after-work happy hour, wedding, or family gathering that you’re invited to if you aren’t ready yet. The moving goalposts of COVID restrictions and rusty social skills (mostly speaking for myself here) will take some time for our minds to overcome before we get back into the social swing of things. 

Start by spending time with the people and places you feel effortlessly comfortable. This way, you can practice mingling without feeling too awkward or self-conscious and then work your way to more complex gatherings. 

Mental and physical health

The stress of living through the pandemic has dramatically increased the number of people, particularly young people, struggling with mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Burnout is real and will predictably rise if some of us have to return to the office full time while juggling our other life commitments. Just as coming to grips with the pandemic was difficult, so will there be an adjustment period required to go back to regular life. Commit to whatever your version of self care looks like to help you navigate this period.

Physically speaking, it would be beneficial for us to consider natural health precautions to boost our immunities, which will give us heightened security with getting back outside. According to this article by Medical News Today, some foods to incorporate to boost your immune system include blueberries, turmeric, sweet potatoes, and oily fish such as salmon, tuna, and pilchards.

Thank you for taking the time to read this article. I hope that what you have read has educated, informed or inspired you somehow.

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Comment down below on your thoughts about this post. I always love hearing your feedback and if my articles have helped you!