It’s been over two years since the COVID-19 pandemic took hold across the world. While it brought much pain and tragedy, we are looking today at some of its more positive impacts.
The COVID-19 pandemic changed the world in many ways after taking hold in 2020. Here are ten good things that came from the pandemic.
While there’s no denying that COVID-19 brought much tragedy and hardship to people around the world, it also had some positive impacts both on the environment and the way we live our lives.
There is no doubt that the world would look vastly different today if we hadn’t been hit by COVID-19 back in 2020. So, looking on the bright side, here are ten good things that came from the pandemic.
10. A chance for redirection ‒ new ventures and changes in career
Many people lost their jobs or were put on furlough throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. While this is, in itself, not a positive thing, it did encourage many to look for new ways to make money.
Some of those who lost their jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic used the time they would have been at work to launch the business they’ve always dreamed of or pursue a new career path.
9. New music, art, books, and more ‒ the chance to create new work without distraction
With touring schedules scrapped and in-person events cancelled, many of our favourite artists, musicians, and authors used the time during lockdown to create new pieces.
With plenty having already been released and even more to come, this is certainly one of the good things to come from the pandemic.
8. Rise in volunteering ‒ helping those most in need
Those hardest hit by the pandemic were often those most in need. Therefore, we saw a huge rise in community spirit throughout 2020, with many looking for ways they could help out.
As we had more free time and heard news stories about those struggling the worst, many of us decided it was time we did something for others. One great example of this is the Letters Against Loneliness initiative.
7. The rise of working from home ‒ a change in how we work
Working from home was gradually on the rise before 2020. However, the pandemic and the enforcement of social distancing accelerated this increase.
Since the pandemic, many people have continued to work from home, either full or part-time. This shift allows workers more flexibility and a greater work-life balance.
6. Getting to spend more time with loved ones ‒ something we could have only dreamed of before
During COVID-19, we were all ordered to “stay at home”. For many, this meant we got to spend valuable time with our loved ones that we could have only dreamed of in previous years.
This time spent at home with our families is something we will be forever thankful for, and the shared experience of lockdowns is something that brought us all closer together.
5. Community spirit ‒ a shared experience
During the pandemic, there was a real sense of “we’re all in this together”. While some people faced more challenging circumstances than others, the pandemic was a worldwide event that hit all of us in some way or another.
This sense of a shared experience fostered a real community spirit, making us appreciate face-to-face connection when we were finally able to see each other in person again.
4. The chance to slow down ‒ escaping the rat race for a while
Living in a world that is so fast-paced, where we are always focused on what’s happening next or our next big step, the pandemic was a welcome chance for many of us to slow down and take a breather.
During lockdowns, many of us relished the opportunity to read a book, go on a daily walk, pick up an old or new hobby, or even learn a new skill.
3. We learned a lot ‒ a real learning experience for all
One of the good things that came from the pandemic was that we all learned a lot. From learning new things about ourselves or learning new ways to adapt, the pandemic certainly was a huge learning curve for all.
2. Separate shopping slots for those most in need ‒ something that continues today
Who remembers that weird period of panic buying when it was impossible to get toilet rolls anywhere? We still can’t believe that happened.
Anyway, one of the positive things to come from the pandemic was the introduction of separate shopping slots for the elderly or those with disabilities or neurodivergence.
Supermarkets recognised how shopping can be an overwhelming experience for these people and made changes accordingly.
1. Pollution levels dropped ‒ a huge win for the environment
COVID-19 put a halt to travel, seeing a dramatic drop in cars on the road, planes in the sky, and boats on the water. Subsequently, there was a huge decline in pollution levels, and we began to see nature healing itself.
One of the most memorable natural wonders of 2020 was when the canals in Venice ran clear after suffering from years of murky water due to pollution from cruise ships.