8 Reasons Why COVID-19 Was Great

Reflecting on the COVID-19 pandemic, it's surprising to realize there are aspects of those challenging times that I actually miss. The pandemic brought some unexpected benefits. Here’s why I find myself longing for certain elements of the COVID-19 era.

First of all, I really miss people taking care of their hygiene. People were washing their hands more, and wearing masks when coughing or sick. Now, you see people coughing into the air, not covering their mouths, and those old guys in the bathroom not washing their hands after they pee. It's like old Korea, a bit unhygienic.

According to a study published in the Journal of Hospital Infection, there was a significant reduction in influenza and other respiratory infections due to improved hygiene practices and mask-wearing.

I live in a tourist area, and when Corona was here, there were no tourists. It was so peaceful. Now, people are everywhere, making everything crowded, parking illegally, and just being a nuisance in my neighborhood.

According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), international tourist arrivals fell by 74% in 2020 compared to the previous year, significantly reducing the hustle and bustle in many areas.

Working remotely and doing stuff online was way more common and chill. You didn't have to go anywhere or attend pointless in-person meetings. People would email more, which is great because most meetings could just be an email. I made a comfy home office where I could do my thing. Now, people expect you to come to their office or meet at certain places, which is often a waste of time. But big companies need to justify their real estate investments, I guess.

A study by Stanford University found that remote work led to a 13% increase in productivity, with workers attributing this to fewer interruptions and a quieter work environment. However, as the pandemic receded, many businesses pushed to return to office spaces, partly to justify real estate investments.

I miss all the technical advancements we made in such a short time. We adapted to a whole new world, finding solutions left and right, like paying without exchanging cash or handing over your debit card. We progressed quickly as a society because we had to adapt to the new normal. Now, it seems like we've stagnated a bit. It is almost like people don't want to innovate unless they're forced to. The only big advancement now seems to be AI, but I'm not completely in the loop.

The necessity for innovation during the pandemic led to numerous technological advancements. South Korea implemented extensive contact tracing and QR code systems for public spaces, which helped manage and control the spread of the virus effectively. Globally, the rise of digital payment systems surged, with contactless payments becoming the norm to minimize physical contact. The rapid pace of innovation during this period showcased how quickly society can adapt when faced with urgent challenges.

I liked that everybody sort of looked at their lives and figured out what was important. People focused on new hobbies, adapted to the situation, and grew as individuals. Even though it felt like we were stuck, there was a lot of personal growth happening.

According to a survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, many people reported picking up new hobbies and focusing on personal development during the lockdowns. This period of introspection and personal growth was a silver lining amidst the uncertainty.

During Corona, people were more focused on their health, so there were fewer invitations to go drinking. Alcohol is a big part of Korean social life, and since I don't drink anymore, I always have to say no when people ask me to join social events because it usually involves drinking. Not even for taste, just to get tipsy or drunk, and it's not my style anymore. During Corona, people were more focused on their health. The gym was busier, and people were interested in getting healthier and stronger. Luckily, that trend continues, but the drinking culture has come back. I feel bad saying no to my friends when they ask me to go drinking, and after a while, they stop asking. I need to find friends who want to do healthier stuff.

The focus on health and fitness saw a significant boost during the pandemic. With gyms being one of the few places people could go safely, many took the opportunity to get in shape. Data from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in South Korea showed a marked increase in gym memberships and home workout equipment sales during this time.

Another nice thing during Corona was the sense of community. People were working together, involved with each other, trying to get through it. Everyone was struggling with work, health, or fear for their loved ones. You could see people helping each other, staying accountable, supporting each other. When I had Corona, friends brought me homemade food because I couldn't go out or felt too bad to cook. I appreciated that. Now, it feels like we have to do everything ourselves.

In South Korea, there were numerous instances of neighbors helping each other, whether through food deliveries or simply checking in on one another. This sense of solidarity and community was a defining characteristic of the pandemic period, helping many people cope with the unprecedented challenges.

For me, the Corona Times were good times. I started a new chapter of my life and used the time wisely. I didn't complain; I used it to better my life.

Many people used the pandemic as a turning point to start new projects, learn new skills, or make significant life changes. This period of forced pause allowed for self-improvement and reassessment of life goals.

Let's strive to maintain the improvements in hygiene, appreciate the quieter moments, embrace flexibility, and prioritize personal well-being and community support.