Pandemic life was an enormous challenge for all of us. 

With more and more people becoming vaccinated, life slowly is returning to a new ‘normal’ where we can give hugs to friends and family, go out with friends more, attend parties or weddings, travel and perhaps later this year attend in-person business meetings and events. 

The excitement of a return to a form of pre-pandemic life is real. Although with this return, I’m challenging myself to think of what aspects of pandemic life I’d like to maintain and cultivate. 

Maintaining new habits post-pandemic

It’s important to examine what business and personal aspects of pandemic life served you well and preserve those as we return to ‘normal’ times. 

For instance, from a business perspective throughout the pandemic, there’s been many examples of companies adopting new and creative ways of doing business and operating more efficiently. 

What ways have you operated more efficiently and creatively during the pandemic? 

Additionally, on the personal side, many people found solace in the stress of pandemic life by spending more time outdoors, exercising, slowing down and spending quality time with family. 

What personally gave you solace during the pandemic? 

5 ways to ease back into work as we return to the new normal

With additional demands on all of our time, what are the best pandemic practices to hold onto? Here are a few considerations: 

1. Assess your schedule 

Pre-pandemic it was easy to over commit yourself and stay busy all of the time. Examine what aspects of your schedule are essential and what activities provide you satisfaction and happiness. Let everything else go. 

2. Schedule time for your well-being

Treat your daily exercise, time outdoors, walking your dog or other activities that promote your happiness like a meeting and this time should be blocked in your schedule. 

Reserve this time and hold yourself to the daily practice like you would another appointment. 

3. Allow downtime to foster creativity

I’ve always found if I am fulfilled and rested personally that creativity and innovation in my business and for my clients comes easily versus if I’m overworked, over-scheduled and stressed. 

4. Utilize Zoom

Zoom allowed all of us to connect and network with others we may have not seen face to face or tried to connect with on video before. The pandemic has opened doors to more people accepting video calls which could save on future travel or allow you to book appointments with important contacts out of state. 

Although, perhaps avoid scheduling yourself for all-day Zoom meetings to save sanity now! 

5. Take it slow

The pandemic was a stressful experience for all of us and it’s okay to want more alone time now than before. Enjoy time by yourself and use it to recharge for improved well-being for your family, clients, business and yourself.

Returning to a new ‘normal’ is exciting although let’s all make a conscious effort not to return to the day-to-day rush. Let’s aim to bring the positive aspects of pandemic living into our personal and professional lives in the years to come. 

Kate Lessman has more than 20 years experience working in PR and is the founder of Think Big Media PR. She is based outside of Boulder, Colorado.