With the lockdown coming to an end over the next month or so (barring a second wave of infection), many of us are excited to resume some semblance of normal life. Others, though, aren’t particularly thrilled by the prospect.
For introverts, the lockdown has been something of a godsend. No longer do they need to use up their precious energy, interacting with others and managing their emotions. Instead, they can indulge in Netflix, do their work over the internet, and generally focus on recharging.
Now that the stay-at-home orders are relaxing, though, many are having to face the reality that this reprieve from the outside world was only temporary. Eventually, they will have to go back to work and start interacting with their colleagues in person again.
Some people are understandably thrilled about the prospect of a normal life. People want to go to the pub, sit down with their favourite drink, and digest the happenings of the last few months with their chums. But the protracted period of isolation is making some people second-guess whether they should leave the house. After all, life seems so much more comfortable spending all day indoors, without having to worry about other people.
The World Is A Very Different Place
The world outside the home is a radically different place. People have to maintain a two-metre distance from each other to prevent infection, social distancing stickers are all over the floor, and there are queues to get into supermarkets. Then there’s the issue that there is a very dangerous disease doing the rounds, which is causing worry – and quite understandably so.
The changes that occurred over the last few months were dramatic. We went into lockdown in March and effectively left normal life behind for a long time. It is unclear whether politicians will allow it to return in short order or not.
Then there is the issue of basic public safety. We’ve already seen a wave of public disorder sweeping across the country. This will likely continue, the more the county opens up. People have all kinds of reasons to feel aggrieved, and they’re just waiting to show it.
Back To Reality
For a lot of people, this period of furlough has been a welcome break in proceedings. The economy was doing well at the start of 2020, but it was taking its toll on the average person. Burnout and anxiety about work-related issues were causing issues across the workforce. Finding yourself with months off work and with plenty of pay was unusual, to say the least – and unexpected. Many people were keen to milk it for all it was worth.
But now that it is coming to an end, many adults have a “back to school” feeling. They’ve enjoyed their freedom and the time they’ve had with their families, and they don’t want it to end.
How are you feeling about returning to real life? Are you worried about how the world has changed? Or are you looking for adventure and new experiences?