8 Healthy Habits to Keep in the ‘New Normal’ after COVID-19

A ‘New Normal’ is emerging as the world reopens. After lockdown, what have we learned that will change our habits after the pandemic?

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links that I earn a commission from at no cost to you

Have you been dreading going back to normal after experiencing quality time with family, more time to yourself and enjoying a slower pace of life?

Or perhaps, you are itching for normality again?

There is one thing we know for sure, just like the pandemic, this is new territory and normal is not what we will get. These are the 8 healthy habits and things we hope to maintain in the ‘New Normal’. These will help us adapt and continue to love life, even in times of change.

1. No More Rushing

During lockdown, I have experienced a much more relaxed and slower pace of life. Savouring each moment and bringing a whole new appreciation to the things and people we have around us.

This is in stark comparison to the stress and rush of normal life.

Before, I always felt like I was in a rush. So was everyone else. Creating impatient, on edge energy and increasing stress on the mind and body. This constant rushing lacked meaning and enrichment for health.

In the ‘new normal’, I hope this slower pace of life is embraced and maintained. Reducing stress and allowing time for healthy habits and positive energy to flourish for our health and wellness.

2. Working From Home

Typically, working from home is unusual and not necessarily encouraged by employers. But the pandemic has forced work into the home and we have had to adapt to this change very quickly.

This rapid change has seen companies and staff come up with new ways of communicating and working innovatively. Therefore, making working from home a massive part of the ‘new normal’.

Working from home will contribute to a slower pace of life too. With less unnecessary meetings, less commuting and embracing new ways of working productively, even at home.

Other benefits of working at home includes reducing expenses from commuting and spending more time at home with the family.

3. At-home workouts in the ‘New Normal’

I don’t know about you but we have loved working out at home!

Without gyms, many people have embraced new ways of working out. Forced to be experimental and resourceful with workouts and weight lifting for all types of goals.

This has made people more self-motived to look after their physical health, get moving and include fitness into their life.

At-home workout apps and videos have been a huge help for me to try new bodyweight exercises, yoga (which I have never done before and now love) and even HIIT training.

Read more about the apps we’ve reviewed.

This has made me more open to working out at home. Even when gyms eventually open, the lockdown has proven they aren’t necessary. Lets embrace at-home workouts for healthy habits in the ‘new normal’.

4. Home Cooking

Lockdown has seen millions of people get creative with DIY, crafting and cooking. I’ve been trying all sorts of recipes and experimenting with food .

I’m not the best chef and I have found a joy in cooking from scratch and appreciation for making something myself. Have you experienced this kind of change with food?

As lockdown has forced us to spend more time at home, it has encouraged more time for cooking. However, as people begin going back to work, will this habit be lost in the ‘new normal’?

Either way, home cooking is a great habit that I intend to keep in the ‘new normal’ and hope that others do too. Not only does it mean you are eating nutritious food but also that you are aware of what you are fuelling your body with. Which brings me to the next point…

5. Being more considerate of Personal Health and Wellness

Mind Medicine is all about health and wellness. What this pandemic has revealed, is how important our health really is.

At home workouts and cooking from scratch has encouraged people to be more conscious of what they are doing with their bodies. How you choose to look after your physical and mental health at home is more important than ever.

In the ‘new normal’, I hope that we all embrace healthier lifestyles. This includes self care, positive habits, healthy eating, fitness and nurturing your mental health.

6. Kindness Towards Others

This pandemic has shown the real generosity and kindness that people show to one another.

Neighbours helping each other with food and company. People taking on inspiring challenges to fundraise and the dedication of staff keeping the world running.

In the ‘new normal’ we can continue to show kindness towards others. During this time we have built a sense of community and new friendships with our neighbours. We are not out of the woods yet and we should keep this kindness in our hearts.

7. Mindfulness in the ‘New Normal’

Mindfulness is something people practice in everyday life. But now, during lockdown, mindfulness comes naturally with a slower pace of life. No longer worrying about what you should be doing next or a work meeting at a certain time etc.

Lockdown has created a new kind of living and I know I have embraced the peacefulness and stillness of it. I have become more present and mindful of everything I do every day.

An example of mindfulness at home can be everyone eating together. Fully present in the moment, enjoying each other’s company, and the home cooked food that you made.

The benefits of mindfulness and meditation on your health are astounding. It can help you deal with uncertainty and reduce stress significantly. Therefore, not only is mindfulness easier now, it can help you adapt to the ‘new normal’.

So, I encourage you to embrace and include mindfulness in your ‘new normal’.

Need help in your mindfulness journey? I love using LSW Mind Cards to remind me every day of things to be mindful of. This pack of cards offers journal prompts, self-reflection and gratitude practices that hugely help my mentality.

Grab a guided mediation too to add to your morning routine.

8. Learning in Lockdown

Lockdown has also opened up new opportunities for learning. Just like cooking, crafting, gardening and DIY.

Before the pandemic, life was so hectic and busy. There were hardly any moments to nurture hobbies or explore new skills that may contribute to you reaching your goals.

Learning shouldn’t stop in the ‘new normal’.

Learning promotes personal growth and self-development, as well as, improving your mental wellbeing. Creating new neural pathways and habits that can help make you adapt and push you out of your comfort zone.

Learning can help create resilience and growth mindset. As you try new things, some things can fail. However, as you learn you will try things again and again until you are successful. This encourages you to do to the same in any area of your life and continue to try new strategies for success.

Embrace New Habits for the ‘New Normal’

There are many new habits that we have adopted during lockdown. As the world reopens, do you intend to keep them up?

Can we ever go back to normal? Should we go back to normal?

I know I will definitely be keeping up some the habits I have made during lockdown. They have enriched and improved my life and health which is extremely important. How important is your life and health to you?

These are the kinds of questions you want to be asking yourself as we adapt, again, to a new kind of normal life.