The pandemic is over, but habits remain

[jisansorkar12]

On May 5, 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the end of the pandemic. It lasted for more than three years. Megaplan editorial staff asked colleagues how their lives have changed and what habits have remained with them after quarantine. Among the most common were remote work instead of the office, special attention to hygiene, and fear of public places.

The article will be useful to all who have not yet been able to overcome fears for their health and cope with constant anxiety. Know: you are not alone!

Sergey, CEO

Sergey, CEO

— One of the global changes is the transition to a hybrid work format. Our employees began working not only from the office, but also from home. And if earlier we talked about work and life balance, now, rather, about the integration of work and personal life. I got out of the habit of going to the cinema — TV series have completely replaced them. But the habit of visiting theaters remained.



Svetlana, designer

Svetlana, designer

— Video calls have come into my life: from remote meetings, online training and meetings with a psychologist to watching movies online with friends. One of my close friends recently moved to another country, and, interestingly, we even began to communicate more often — after all, it’s easier to call than to go to the other end of the city. I also began to meet people online, I made new friends from other cities and even countries.



Marina, specialist of the training center

Marina, specialist of the training center

— I press the elevator buttons only with keys and try not to touch the door handles. I began to wash my hands much more thoroughly and more often.



Ksenia, Sales Manager

Ksenia, Sales Manager

— I wash everything with soap: not only fruits and vegetables, but also plastic packaging. Even if it’s delivery.




Daria, Customer Service Specialist

Daria, Customer Service Specialist

— I carry a sanitizer in my bag. I'm afraid to cough or sneeze in a uae whatsapp list public place. Otherwise, people start looking at me askance and running away in different directions.



Elina, testing specialist

Elina, testing specialist

— And I always keep a mask in a zip-lock bag in my bag, just in case.



Evgeniy, system administrator

Evgeniy, system administrator

— I always have antiseptic and gloves in my bag now. I try not to touch handrails and door handles in public transport.



Tatyana, Sales Manager

Tatyana, Sales Manager

— I don’t get into elevators with people, I don’t take children to playgrounds or shopping malls.




Vyacheslav, developer

Vyacheslav, developer

— And if I sneeze in a public place, I usually try to gauge the reaction of those around me.



Alexander, Head of Sales Department

Alexander, Head of Sales Department

— My family and I have almost stopped going to shopping malls — we go there 2-3 times a year. Not because we are afraid, we just got out of the habit. The same with stores — we buy almost nothing that can be ordered online. During quarantine, to keep from going crazy, our whole family rode bicycles. But it was not encouraged. Since then, when I ride a bike, I feel like I am doing something forbidden.



Elena, Head of Customer Support Department

Elena, Head of Customer Support Department

— I changed my wardrobe: during the pandemic, I started walking a lot near my home, and it’s uncomfortable in the heels that I like to wear. I spend less time in crowded places — shopping malls, stores, public transport. I use delivery, marketplaces, and taxis more often.




Irina, Senior Customer Support Specialist

Irina, Senior Customer Support Specialist

— I also started wearing more comfortable clothes and shoes. I also used to take a large bag to the office and on walks. But after sitting at home, I can’t even remember: what was so important I was carrying with me? I started to take better care of my health — Covid is not as scary as the chronic diseases that it “unpacks.”