As we settle into our third year of the pandemic, we reflect on how the world around us and our everyday lives and practices have changed. Going to the grocery store, dining out and other routine activities are no longer routine and have had to be adapted to our ever-changing world. Though it may be easy to focus on the unpleasant, the pandemic has produced many hopeful changes for businesses and provided optimistic outlooks for families alike.

    Many families were forced to spend time together due to homeschooling, remote working and lockdown, but what effect did this have on their mental health? A survey conducted by OnePoll revealed that 66% of those surveyed said their family has become a closer and more united unit. 77% of those same respondents stated they have enjoyed spending more time with their loved ones. Family members have learned more about each other and experienced key moments together they would have otherwise missed. The biggest conclusion of OnePoll’s survey was that respondents reported they have used this time to improve upon their family’s communication skills so that they may build stronger relationships.

    The pandemic has also had a positive impact on businesses, such as providing companies the opportunity to improve upon their current way of servicing. This includes providing additional resources to employees to promote mental well-being and providing additional products to their customers to extend relief. Many businesses, such as financial institutions like Alive Credit Union, have also improved upon their digital approach to serving their members. This approach allows many services to be available at the touch of a finger via our smartphone or home computer, but be rest assured, making a personal connection is not lost. By using social distancing in conjunction with masks, customers and members can still be served in person while keeping everyone safe. After all, credit unions were founded on the principle of “people helping people”, and by providing payment deferrals, emergency loans and financial counseling, credit unions across the globe have stepped up to assist those in need.

    Though it may not be apparent, the pandemic has also provided positive short-term impacts on our environment. Lockdown reduced emissions caused by vehicles and factories, which in turn, lessened air pollution. Without vehicles on the road, wildlife was less likely to be injured or killed, which resulted in fewer accidents and promoted reduced noise pollution. With beaches and other ecological areas closed, nature began to heal itself with the reduction in littering and water pollution. 

    As with life before the pandemic, nothing can be known for certain. However, we humans have proved we are resilient creatures. We will continue to foster and nurture our relationships, build strength in our communities, and find new ways to overcome any obstacle we encounter. While life will most certainly return to some type of normalcy in the coming future, what we have learned about ourselves, our families, our business practices, and surroundings during this time will surely follow us for the rest of our lives.

 

Carol Ann Aldridge is a certified lending counselor for Alive Credit Union. For more information about Alive Credit Union, call 904-296-1292 or visit Alivecu.coop.