Mindset

The pandemic has created a self-care renaissance. Self-care means taking care of our mental, emotional and physical state. Self-care is to be more aware of what we do to regulate our emotions, connect with people in a more meaningful way and engage in activities that will bring a sense of peace or calm., Activities such as time spent outdoors, a favourite hobby or learning a new skill reinforces our positive emotions.

There is not enough thought given during a life-threatening crisis to the future because the present absorbs us. A phenomenon in the brain where the circuits involved in understanding others and looking ahead are switched off, masking us unreceptive to new ideas and different opinions. It is essential to reduce this fear of the future; practising brain elasticity and encouraging our ability to see other points of view can help us look forward again.

Health is not static; it constantly changes with what we eat, how we breathe, exercise and sleep. Advanced wearables change the health pathway and enable individuals to analyse the data and manage their physical and mental health. 

When people become more aware of their values, beliefs and reactions to things, they can evaluate or re-evaluate them. This process of critical thinking and evaluation is a learning process and invites people to consciously understand what they believe in, how they make decisions and evaluate the evidence of their thinking.

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The self-care renaissance

Brain elasticity

Track emotions

Critical thinking

Social distancing has changed the world of work. Increased flexibility at work can aid the wellbeing and productivity of employees. After the pandemic people may not return to daily work in an office. They see their home environment as a sanctuary designed to be restorative and peaceful. Home workspaces may become better equipped if the situation persists.

Companies will have smaller head offices. The office’s purpose will change; the focus will be on team interaction and collaboration, not on focused individual work, which is also possible at home. Office design needs to create experiences and spaces that support employees to feel physically and psychologically safe, connected and make it possible to be creative. 

Diet and exercise are undoubtedly vital for health, but research suggests finding a purpose can lower your mortality rate. Purpose can keep us alive. People with a sense of meaning in their lives are less likely to go to hospital, develop diabetes or die from heart disease. Boosting our sense of purpose in life is an often overlooked ingredient in longevity. Most of us want to impact others’ lives positively, be it your team, company, or broader society. A sense of purpose is beneficial for productivity and performance and overall happiness and wellbeing.

If the future is digital, how do we ensure that parts of the population are not left behind? What works for some is a problem for others. Face-to-face interaction is required to facilitate collaboration, build relationships, solve complex challenges and generate ideas. Continuous remote work extends the workday, diffuses work-life boundaries and reduces mental wellbeing.

Interaction

Safety

Purpose

Sanctuary

Breathing is synonymous with life. It is possible with breathing exercises to help combat the harmful effects of stress. By changing how we breathe, we can gain some control over our mind, improve how we feel, and restore the ability to reason again.

Exercise positively impacts our mental health and is an act of self-care. Exercising with others gives the most benefit to mental health. Team sports provide social connections and reduce feelings of isolation. The most significant transformation is often in an improved outlook on life. Exercise may not be the cure for all the world’s ills, but it’s a step in the right direction.

WHO recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity per week, or a combination of both. These recommendations can still be achieved even at home, with no special equipment and limited space. People have created space in their home to exercise or meditate. 

The amount and quality of sleep we get depend on our environment as much as, if not more than, our personal behaviour. Regular exercise can help us to fall asleep faster, improve sleep quality. Getting a good night’s sleep is also a boost for the immune system.

Breath of life

Emotional fitness

Active lifestyle

Sleep

Post-pandemic, there may be a sense of euphoria as we see the light at the end of the tunnel and treat ourselves to a special holiday or something new, luxurious and memorable. However, it will likely take time to rebuild trust and for people to feel safe and secure again. The uncertainty that is likely to persist will lead consumers to further prioritising flexibility. Consumers sense of convenience will evolve; convenience could also mean future planning and support in their daily lives.

Health will continue to be an essential focus, and spending habits will reflect this. The home will remain the centre of wellbeing, and in the future, people will look for convenient, seamless solutions that enable them to lead healthy lifestyles.

Negative emotions can lead people to react and counteract to seek solace in nostalgia. People have developed new relationships with their belongings and choose to surround themselves with heirlooms, memories and beauty. Music, movies, classics are comforting and help us remember the good times.

Help can be provided by those with financial means, supporting those who have lost their income or loved ones. Whilst relieving financial worries does not solve all losses, it can alleviate some stress, and support can be just as important to know that someone is there for you.

New values

Health

Memories

Support

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