The COVID-19 Pandemic taught us lessons that will truly change our lives and from the things that we used to. This Pandemic taught us to value the importance of life and nature. Most people think, “What will be the New Normal looks like?”.  New Normal certainly a different normal, which means many of us will adapt a new and different lifestyle.  This Pandemic is changing and resetting our priorities, from giving so much attention with our health, decreasing pollution that benefits people and the planet and the most important and significant lesson is prioritizing our relationship with our family and friends. May it be Physical or Mental Health, still it has a big impact to people’s lives.

There are many ways to improve our Immune System such as eating nutritious food, having a regular exercise, good hygiene and have enough sleep. Eat nutritious food because the body needs a regular supply of adequate nutrients. Exercise is great for physical health and other basic activities such as walking and gardening will help divert attention from stressful experiences that put individuals at greater risk. Hand washing is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of infections that would definitely save lives. Stay at home orders and Social Distancing or limiting close face-to-face contact with others is the best way to reduce the spread of corona disease (COVID-19). Quality Sleep can help the body function better for the tasks each day. Paying attention to Mental Health might be challenging but an important aspect of life that we got caught in this time of crisis.

On the other hand, in spite of missing of our normal ways of seeing each other and extremely challenging year for many of us, this pandemic taught us how to value relationship that we tend to forget because we are too busy for some other stuffs.  It gives us a chance to keep in touch or give time to reconnect and strengthen relationships and communication among our family members and friends.

This is not only saving relationship in these turbulent times but building a stronger, healthier and meaningful relationships. It taught us to love and appreciate little things in life and know what to value most. Being resilient in facing obstacles and being grateful amidst challenges will taught us how to be united in this new normal way of living.

There is much we can do to support each other and there is much that we can learn from each other. It has forced us to witness life in a very unusual way and getting through these times is our greatest priority to reconnect with our lives and with nature. This might be one of the tools to help people understand what is important and least important to have a more meaningful and satisfying lives. It is time for us to accept change and emerge stronger by embracing ‘New normal’ that awaits us.

Paul O. Orong
Principal II, MCNSHS