Since January of 2020, we’ve all experienced a collective trauma – one that has completely upended our lives and turned the world on its head. The COVID-19 pandemic was one of the most devastating global health crises to emerge in the 20^th and 21^st centuries, and it is something that has surely changed the ways in which we live our daily lives.

2020 brought with it social distancing, social isolation, routine testing, remote work, shuttered businesses, shuttered economies, and a debilitating sense of overwhelm and anxiety for nearly 12 full months. Here we are in 2021, vaccines are in full swing, the global economy is showing signs of recovery, and there is a light at the end of the tunnel. However, when we emerge, we might be stepping foot into a brand-new world, one that is vastly different from the one we once knew.

Life After COVID – What To Expect

When it comes down to it, we aren’t quite sure just what to expect as life begins to return back to some semblance of normalcy. However, it is safe to say that things will certainly be a bit different. In fact, just recently, Dr. Anthony Fauci suggested that people might consider wearing masks during flu seasons well into the future to prevent against the spread and transmission of seasonal viruses and infections!

It’s an interesting idea, especially as anxiety has increased all around the world. So, what exactly does this tell us? Does it mean that we can expect people to feel the reverberating psychological effect that more than a year in lockdown and mask wearing can have on us all? Well, quite possibly.

Additionally, we might expect to see people enjoy solitary outdoor exercising as opposed to heavy, sweat-inducing gym workouts. Social distancing was the key phrase used throughout the last year. Businesses that weren’t able to provide a safe and socially-distanced experience weren’t able to operate at anywhere near their full capacity. This left places like gyms, restaurants, event venues, and more to close their doors or operate at an extremely reduced capacity.

What does that mean for the future? It could possibly suggest that these businesses might need to rethink their business models. While people pursue more outdoor forms of activity that embrace social distancing, gyms might begin to shift their efforts outside of the four walls of their facilities. Perhaps restaurants and event venues will focus on outdoor experiences or hybrid experiences for their guests?

There really is no telling what the future could hold because things are still so fluid. However, one thing is for certain – we are emerging from this long, dark tunnel. As we continue to make our way toward the light, we’ll see new changes, new coping mechanisms, and new modes of recovery as the world looks to rebuild itself.

At Orthopedic Associates of Denver, we encourage all of our patients and clients to embrace life after COVID. Get outside, explore nature, breathe clean and fresh air, and most importantly, stay safe while you do it.