Trends we’re ready to leave behind

If you’re thinking back to a time when life was simpler, then you’re not alone. It’s human nature to reflect on the past with rose-tinted goggles, remembering only the good things… The trouble is that since 2020, the world has gone through the ringer. There’s not an area of life that hasn’t been touched by the turmoil unleashed by the pandemic, so it’s easy to think about how life pre-pandemic was so good.

But we want to challenge you to do something different. In a Herculean effort (read: the strength of Hercules) let’s think about the habits and behaviours that weren’t super great in the ‘before times’ and how we can do better tomorrow.

To get you started with your own ideas, we’ve put together a few pre-pandemic trends that we’re so ready to ditch.

Stuff instead of experiences

If staying at home has taught us anything, it’s that the must-have handbag you would have sacrificed a month’s worth of groceries for just doesn’t mean much when the only place you have to wear it is to the fridge and back. Also, 2 minute noodles just don’t cut it 4 days in a row. By week 2, you’ll be nibbling the grass just to get some green stuff in your system. The time has come for products and material goods to take a step back as we prioritise experiencing more of life and spending time doing things with our dearest friends and family.

Planning for trips, adventures, and new hobbies costs money, so that handbag cash is going to be rerouted to your ‘live life’ fund.

Not taking sick days

We’re going to say it again for those in the back, but if you’re sick… Stay. Home.

For way too long, we’ve tried to soldier on and work through a fever or sore throat, but now we know that it’s not worth it. And not only for our own sakes, but for the health of those around us. It’s actually not fair on anyone else to show up at work when you’re ill. So, invest in yourself and take care of your body when it’s telling you that it needs to take it slow, hydrate, and soak up some meds.

Health advice from the internet

The internet has been a beacon of light, keeping us entertained and connected during the long, socially-distanced months. That said… Not everything online (particularly social media) is good for you. What we’re talking about specifically here is health advice. There are worrying trends on social media platforms, like TikTok, which have given doctors cause for concern. We urge you to call your doctor for any health and wellbeing questions, ideas, and issues that you may be facing. Please don’t risk your health for something that was set to a catchy tune and communicated in 30 seconds.

Parenting on the down-low

There was a time, not so long ago (pre-pandemic was just about 2 years ago) when parents left work early to fetch kids, take them to appointments, or attend school events. While we’re not yet attending any events, what we’ve realised is that working parents have had to keep their parenting on the down-low. But it defs became apparent when we started working from home and participating in Zoom meetings while our toddlers shouted for more Peppa Pig. Or food. Or for someone to wipe their bums.

Well, folks, the days of keeping it quiet that you’re raising tiny humans is gone. Let’s embrace being proud of parenting our kids and being involved in their lives. We’ll probably find that with the stress of hiding it gone, we’ll be better parents and better at our jobs.

Form over function

There’s been this unwritten fashion rule during the pandemic, which was that you have to (get to, more like) wear tracksuit pants, leggings, and other assorted comfy clothes. And it’s been great. So, we think it’s time to say ‘adios’ to uncomfortable and impractical fashion trends for good. That means saying a hearty ‘no thank you’ to those too-tight trousers, itchy blouses, and toe-crunching shoes.

We’re not suggesting that you abandon all professionalism and wear your favourite fleecies to the office… But why not invest in cotton garments, lightweight fabrics, maxi dresses, and shoes that don’t punish your feet for crimes you’ve yet to commit?

Paying too much for car insurance

Lots of people have considered cancelling their insurance policies altogether during this trying time, but that could actually end up biting you in the glutes, as we discussed in this post about the dangers of cancelling your car insurance policy. It’s well worth a read if you’re finding yourself in that position of perhaps cancelling your policy to save cash.

Before you do so, we think that you should talk to us, because our car insurance is super cheap and strangely simple. It’s strange in that your royal car insurance premiums will decrease every month. It’s simple, because cars are always losing value, literally from the day you leave the dealership until the day it hits its last km. So, we believe it’s only fair to pay less every month to insure it!