Life has changed in many ways since COVID, leaving lasting effects on how people live and think. Many individuals came out of the pandemic with less money, facing tighter budgets and learning to prioritize needs over wants. At the same time, people became more careful with their health, paying closer attention to hygiene, exercise, and the importance of protecting their immune systems. Crowds and large gatherings are often approached with more caution, as some still prefer distance or smaller groups. For others, the disruption of old routines created an opportunity to break harmful habits, such as drugs or alcohol, and replace them with healthier choices. The pandemic reshaped priorities, reminding people that well-being and balance matter more than anything else.
Personally, I try to avoid crowds and shop in the daytime, not busy hours or week ends to minimize my exposure to people. I have learned to cut my own hair during the pandemic so I did not have to go to the barber. I have been to a fast food restaurant less than 10 times since 2020.