The Covid-19 pandemic has been a stressful time.  Fear of contracting the virus, combined with social isolation,  is a universal problem.  But each age has had their own stress.  Parents with children out of school report the most.  However, it’s also difficult for the elderly who face long, lonely hours without seeing their loved ones. But when it’s all over,  there are 5 good things you’ll remember about the lockdown..

1. Cleaner air.   It’s estimated the pandemic lockdown has taken about 80% of passenger cars off local roads. Resulting in  a 31% reduction in air pollution compared to the same time frame last year.  Before-after-photos show less-air-pollution during the pandemic. According to the NIH, “air pollution is considered as the major environmental risk factor in the incidence and progression of some diseases such as asthma, lung cancer, ventricular hypertrophy, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, psychological complications, autism, retinopathy, fetal growth, and low birth weight. “

2. Money Saved.  Many people have lost their jobs, so this isn’t a benefit enjoyed by everyone . But for seniors on a fixed income, and those  still employed,  they are  suddenly seeing their bank balance grow.  Let’s face it: when you’re not going anywhere or  buying new clothes, have stopped going to restaurants and taking vacations,  you’re saving a bundle of money.  And when this pandemic is over, people are going to spend that money like crazy.

3. Learning how to do your own hair.  Over the years, most everyone  has become dependent on others to cut and style their hair.  But when you’re afraid to go to a beauty salon,,  you have to take matters into your own hands.  I’ve learned to cut my own hair, and people tell me they like it better.   I’ll probably go back  to having it done, but it’s nice to know I can do it myself.

4. Discovering the joys of takeout and delivery..  Like everyone else, we enjoyed eating in restaurants before the pandemic.    We didn’t do takeout unless someone was sick.  But now, we’ve learned to appreciate take out and delivery—especially the smaller restaurants where we wouldn’t have considered going  before.  Seafood, burgers, ethnic food….we’ve tried them all.   We don’t have to dress up or drive after dark, or wait too long for service..  Yes, I still dream of returning to our old favorite restaurants.  But we’ll be doing a lot more take out than we did before the pandemic.

5. Fewer sick days, due to healthier habits.  My husband and I have gone seven months without a  bout of diarrhea or respiratory infection.   Because of masking, social isolation, and obsessive hand washing,  we’re  avoiding a lot of germs other than covid.-19.

I know that many are suffering from financial hardship right now.  I’m old enough to remember my own father too sick to work, and a husband losing a job during the recession.  But after the pandemic ends, we may have  5 good things to remember about  making it through the pandemic with faith in ourselves, and the loving support of others.