Lifestyle
COVID Scar Tissue: Exploring Life Post Pandemic
It’s the question every household fantasizes about these days: what will you do after COVID 19 is in the rearview? Friends are anxious to get reacquainted. Sports fans cannot wait to go to a baseball game. Some can’t wait to book a trip somewhere far away. It is fun to think of, for sure. But the more you think about that question, the more you must consider what life will truly be like on the other side of this pandemic.
Will there be sold-out concerts with thousands in attendance?
Will you want a big 4th of July party?
Experts say the ripples of COVID 19 will be felt long after the pandemic is over, suggesting that we will, in fact, be looking at a new normal.
The Great Depression was a defining moment in American history. Children born around this time would live to see America at its most prosperous. Like every other home on the block, their homes would eventually have televisions and microwaves – a car in every driveway. Traveling cross country and overseas was easier and cheaper than ever before. But still, they grew up knowing the value of a dollar. These children would grow up to be the grandparents who give ‘a shiny quarter’ to their eye-rolling grandkids. This was because they remembered a time when things weren’t so good.
In the same way, the COVID-19 pandemic will be the defining moment of this generation. Its effects still haven’t been fully realized, but they are seeping through our daily lives.
Did it feel strange to you when you last saw a large crowd in a movie or tv show?
Wave Goodbye to the Handshake
Many have surmised that the handshake should have gone out the door a long time ago. In a paper published in 2014, Dr. Mark Sklansky cites that the risks of spreading pathogens should supersede the urge to shake hands. His paper specifically dismantles the efficacy of handshaking between doctors and patients but speaks more broadly. “Hands are warm and wet, and we know they transmit disease very well,” says Sklansky. “They’re a phenomenal vector for disease.”
“I don’t think we should ever shake hands again, to be honest with you,” Dr. Anthony Fauci.
The world after COVID may be one without social touching. Hugs, high fives, and pats on the back could be met with a cringe, but this could lead to further effects. Why do people shake hands and touch people in the first place?
Like speaking, body connection is a form of language dating back thousands of years. It’s an evolutionary practice, even seen in other primates. “We know that nonhuman primates use social touch a lot through grooming,” says Juulia Suvilehto, a researcher at Linköping University in Sweden. “It’s a way of making allies and maintaining relationships.
Tiffany Field is the director of touch research at the University of Miami School of Medicine. She explains that touch also reduces aggression. “When you’re touching someone, it’s very hard to be aggressive towards them.” Field explains results from a study in which they separated monkeys between a wall of plexiglass. “If you separate two monkeys and they can see, hear, and smell each other, but they can’t touch each other, once you remove the plexiglass, they practically kill each other.” What does this mean for the future of human interaction? For one thing, that awkward moment when you shake someone’s hand who offers a fist bump may be replaced by someone not knowing how to refuse a handshake politely.
More Prepared… Maybe
Software engineer turned philanthropist Bill Gates has been heavily involved in the COVID conversation. He suggests that our society will be more prepared for the next big disaster coming down the pike. “We’ll have practiced,” Gates said on the first episode of his new podcast, Bill Gates and Rashida Jones Ask Big Questions. “We’ll have done disease games like war games, and almost every country will respond like South Korea, or Australia did where you’re very quickly testing people and quarantining people. And our tools will be much better.” Much like the grandmother who saves her quarters, we’ll be ready if something similar comes back. But there’s another side to that quarter.
Katherine Hirschfeld, a medical anthropologist at the University of Oklahoma isn’t so optimistic. According to Hirschfeld, an increase in misinformation could lead to further political divide and future outbreaks. We will likely see “increased political division and economic inequality in the United States and elsewhere, with the basic science of epidemiology and public health attacked and undermined by conspiracy theories spread on social media,” she explains. “If this sounds unusually grim, it may be due to my years of research exploring post-Soviet conflicts, when many multicultural countries fell apart in warring factions that triggered epidemics of easily preventable diseases.” Grim indeed.
It’s Not All Bad
Society has taken measures to adapt during COVID that may have some positive lasting results. More businesses than ever are benefiting from a work-from-home model. A Gartner survey reported that 80% of the company leaders they polled plan to allow their employees to continue to work at least part-time remotely. Why? Because it’s good for business. According to Global Workplace Analytics, 94% of surveyed employers report has been the same or higher since allowing remote work.
The effects ripple on. With more remote work comes fewer cars on the road. Fewer cars mean less traffic and fewer carbon emissions. According to nature.com, after rising for decades, global carbon dioxide emissions dropped 6.4% during the pandemic. The United States wins the award for most improved with a 13% decrease. The average American household has 1.88 vehicles as of last year. Could a world without everyone commuting to work mean less of a need for multi-car homes?
Bill Gates is thinking even bigger. If companies aren’t making their employees come into the office, it won’t matter where they are headquartered. The draw of the big cities will have less of a pull. Employees won’t feel the need to stay close. “In the cities that are very successful… even for a person who’s well paid, they’re spending an insane amount of their money on rent.” This could be no more.
Education Made Accessible
Among the employees working from home, teachers are also finding their footing in a changing landscape. And so are the students. The COVID lockdowns have been inconsistent and seemingly unpredictable in the last year. A student in Virginia had a very different go of it than a student in California. Schools across the country have endured some combination of class cancellations, remote learning, and learning on-premise. But while the education system has struggled to get its footing, some are seeing the silver lining.
Anna Mueller, a sociologist at Indiana University Bloomington, speaks about the upside. “The pandemic has shown us how online teaching can be a tool that makes the classroom more accessible, particularly for students with disabilities. In the past, I’ve had students who sometimes struggled to attend class because they were coping with anxiety or living with significant pain. They needed my empathy and flexibility with class attendance but still missed the classroom experience. I now realize how easy it is to turn on a camera and pop on a microphone so they can join from the comfort of their homes.”
Mario Luis Small is a sociologist at Harvard. He suggests that secondary education may be in store for a radical makeover. “COVID-19 has shown that a lot, though by no means all, of higher instruction can happen online. Parents and students will likely ask how much of the on-campus experience is truly needed and demand alternatives.”
A New Kind of Sport
In the months after the pandemic has dissipated, there will no doubt a surge in attendance at concerts in sporting events. Those who associate summer days with hot dogs and baseball and cold Sundays with tailgating a football game are anxious to spend too much money on a beer at a game. But while these traditional sports are awaiting a resurgence, another kind of sport has been getting bigger and bigger.
Esports have boomed during the pandemic. Video gaming enthusiasts have gathered online to watch the pros play video games like Call of Duty, Overwatch, Minecraft, and thousands of more games. Viewership skyrocketed during the pandemic. StreamHatchet reports a jump in esports from 4.8 billion hours viewed in the first quarter of 2020 to 7.6 billion. Philadelphia is currently building a $50 million esports arena right next to all of their other major sports venues. It seems esports are here to stay.
Turning the Page
While everyone is excited for this chapter of society to be over, no one truly knows what to expect. What will vacations be like? What about birthday parties? Things may never truly be the same. But while some muscles may atrophy, others will strengthen. Will we see a bigger emphasis on family life as we all spend more time at home? Maybe the creativity world gets a spark as more people rely on their own faculties to entertain themselves. As the saying goes, only time will tell.
Do you need a good night’s sleep but your mattress is ruining that? It’s time to find a brand-new mattress to relieve yourself of the stress of the day and doze off without a hitch. Learn more about the Bedstory 12-inch Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress and what people think about the product here!
BedStory
BedStory has helped millions of sleepers get quality sleep with their mattresses, pillows, and toppers. Since 1983, the company has sold its products to over 90+ countries. Plus, they ensure that only state-of-the-art technology makes it to their products to improve people’s sleep. Additionally, their product line is made in the USA, ensuring quality standards are met every time new products are manufactured.
Specifications
Price: $369.99 to 559.99 (tax included)
Mattress Sizes
The BedStory Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress comes in four sizes: twin, full, queen, and king. Plus, it comes in 12 or 14-inch sizes, too.
Mattress Layers
Have a restful sleep with six layers of comfort. The soft-knit fabric is on top that helps your mattress breathe. Plus, it keeps you cool while you sleep. It has a fire-resistant barrier and the gel bamboo charcoal memory foam. Plus, it has high-density foam, pocket springs, and base foam.
Lumbar Support
Have terrible back pain and want to alleviate it during sleep? BedStory has lumbar support embedded in its mattress. Pocket coils and orthopedic foam act as lumbar support while you slumber.
Cooler and More Refreshing Sleep
Their memory foam infuses gel and bamboo, making it feel cool on your body as you sleep soundly. It’s also made out of knitted fabric to let the mattress breathe. Additionally, you don’t have to worry about odors since it has moisture-wicking and odor-reducing properties. Plus, it also dissipates heat.
Motion Isolation
Do you or your partner toss and turn all night long and can’t get a wink of sleep? BedStory reduces the noise of joints shuffling all around. It’s all because the springs absorb any noise that could disturb your slumber.
Mattress Expansion
Since this is a bed in a box, it will take time for your brand-new mattress to expand to its original state. The BedStory mattress expands within 48 to 72 hours.
Delivery, Warranty, and Return
Expect your brand-new BedStory Mattress to arrive within 2 to 5 business days! The wait will all be worth it once it arrives at your doorstep.
Your BedStory Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress will have a 10-year warranty.
Regarding returns, you can try sleeping on the new mattress for 30 nights’ worth of sleep. However, if you’re not fully satisfied with the mattress, a return is possible within a 100-night window.
Certifications
You’ll be safe and sound when sleeping on a BedStory mattress since it’s CetriPUR-US and OEKO-TEX Certified. This ensures that you’re sleeping on a mattress without any harmful chemicals.
Recommended Bedframes
BedStory suggests that you can place the memory foam mattress on a platform, box spring, or slatted frame bedframe for an optimized sleeping experience. You want to make sure that you’re putting the bed on a solid bedframe to let the mattress expand properly and let you sleep without any disruptions.
The Ideal Sleepers
Like many products, the mattress isn’t a one-size-fits-all. Not everyone will enjoy their slumber with this mattress. However, it’s good to know who’ll love sleeping in this bed all day long.
- Light and sensitive sleepers
- Babies
- Elders
- People experiencing regular joint aches and pains
Maintaining The BedStory Mattress
Most beds last seven to ten years. After all, it’s expensive to change mattresses regularly. During your sleep tenure with BedStory, you can care for it to make your mattress last long. Here are tips from BedStory to help you maintain the mattress.
- Don’t eat on the bed
- Use a vacuum to remove dirt or debris
- Spot clean stains using detergent
- Put a mattress protector
- Rotate the mattress to avoid further wear and tear. Rotate it every 3 to 6 months
- Air out the mattress
- Don’t jump on the bed
What Do Sleepers Think?
BedStory sleepers love the mattress firmness. It’s medium-firm, so if you’re looking for something soft, you’re better off buying a mattress topper to make it soft. Plus, some sleepers find it easy to sleep faster. Additionally, you don’t have to worry about aches and pains upon waking up or during the middle of the night.
However, BedStory isn’t for everyone. For instance, some sleepers find that the mattress doesn’t expand or inflate to its actual size. Other sleepers say that firmness isn’t enough for them. Plus, other sleepers experience aches and pains while sleeping on this mattress.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the BEST mattress is essential to getting a good night’s sleep. The BedStory Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress could be the next mattress to grace your bedframe. Many sleepers rave over the mattress since they sleep easier, faster, and better. Plus, some experience less or no pain upon waking up, which is a game-changer for many sleepers. Finally, it’s value for money considering the specs. You don’t need to change your mattress regularly. Plus, you can return the mattress if it’s not a good fit!
Nothing makes your trip exciting than visiting the best adventure travel destinations. Adrenaline junkies are always on the lookout for places that offer thrilling experiences, beautiful landscapes and satisfying challenges. If you haven’t decided on the next travel adventure, here are 00 destinations you must look into.
1. New Zealand
New Zealand is known for its breathtaking landscapes and offers many adventurous activities. It’s one of the best places to try sky diving. Whether you want to go solo or do tandem sky diving, New Zealand is the next place to visit. You can enjoy a picturesque view over 144 islands in the Bay of Islands with Skydive Bay of Islands.
2. Nepal
If you’ve been dreaming about hopping on a place and trekking and climbing the mountains of the Himalayas, then book a trip to Nepal. This adventure activity is only for the experienced as Mount Everest isn’t for the faint of hearts. If you’re a novice climber, you can go as high as the Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Circuit. However, the more serious climbers will go as far as the peaks of Mount Everest and Annapurna.
3. Chile
South America boasts some of the best adventure travel destinations, including Chile’s Torres del Pain National Park. You can start ice hiking the Grey Glacier from the Refugio Grey, beginning with a 15-minute zodiac boat ride to glacier’s western arm. Once you walk the glaciers, you can revel in its size and beauty. Enjoy peering into the deep blue crevasses or explore the magnificent ice caves. The more advanced ice hikers can even do a vertical ice climb!
4. Costa Rica
If you’re looking into the next surf and beach travel destination, hop on a plane to Costa Rica. Bring your surfboards to Pura Vida and enjoy the rich culture and simply contagious vibes. The stunning coastlines are laden with surf camps for the novice and experienced surfers. You’ll also enjoy a few restaurants and chic cafes to go about your work day. You can surf Costa Rica all year round on its two coasts and enjoy warm waters and a tropical climate.
5. Australia
Australia offers both mountains and beaches for both the adventure seekers on these terrains. And it’s no surprise why The Great Barrier Reef gets more than 14 million recreational visitors yearly. Travelers enjoy fishing, sailing, boating, swimming, and snorkeling. But those who seek adrenaline rush go scuba diving in The Great Barrier Reef because it’s one of the best scuba diving destinationa in the world. It features an abundance of marine life divers won’t find in any other diving destinations.
6. South Africa
Experience the diverse wildlife in South Africa and indulge in activities like bungee jumping and shark cage diving. Marvel in the grandeur of these creatures and experience their presence up close inside a cage underwater. Visit South Africa’s popular shark cage diving hotspots like Port Elizabeth, Durban, Cape Town, Mossel Bay, and Gansbaai.
Where to next?
Traveling to adventure destinations requires careful planning and consideration to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Research your destination thoroughly, including local customs, weather conditions, and any travel advisories. Plan your itinerary and activities in advance, but also be flexible to accommodate unexpected changes. Assess your physical fitness level, prepare accordingly, and enjoy!
Fashion trends come and go, but a timeless brand emerges that redefines style and excellence. SWET Tailor is established to create clothes for the modern guy. The company’s signature offerings include streamlined looks, comfortable designs, and muted tones with pops of color. Scroll down to explore the best men’s apparel from SWET Tailor that seamlessly merges comfort with elegance and individuality with global appeal.
1. SWET Jogger
Elevate your casual wardrobe with the SWET Jogger, perfect for your recreational lifestyle. SWET Jogger offers distinct quality and comfort. It is made from 100% Suprese™, a 96/4 cotton/spandex blend fabric by SWET Tailor.
The jogger pants have an adjustable detailed drawstring waistband and a stitch articulation detail at the knee panel. In addition, the back zipper closure pocket and side zip pockets make it more versatile.
SWET Jogger is available in eight colors and fits true to size from Small to XXL.
Price: $99
2. Fairway Jogger
Fairway Jogger features a “dress pants meets jogger” style. You don’t have to choose between a golf look or street style with this functional pant that looks great on and off the course. Made from an exceptionally lightweight fabric blend, it offers incredible comfort and style. Fairway Jogger has lined front and zipper back pockets with a hidden front zipper pocket.
Price: $119
3. All-In Polo
This classic polo is one of SWET Tailor’s Bestsellers. You can wear this ultra-comfortable top from meetings to dinners. Tuck it in or not, SWET Tailor-made the All-in Polo in the perfect length to be styled either way. It has an adjustable 3-button placket and a self-fabric reinforced collar for extra comfort. Plus, there are 11 colors you can choose from. With this comfort, we bet you’ll purchase more than one!
Price: $69
4. The Duo Jacket
Jackets are a men’s fashion staple. Update your collection with The Duo Jacket by SWET Tailor. It may look like a classic denim jacket, but it’s not. This jacket is made from an exceptional fabric blend and combines traditional design and comfort. The Duo Jacket is available in Black, Navy, and Denim Grey.
Price: $149
5. Lightweight SWET-Hoodie
From the jackets, let’s move to the trendy and functional hoodies. Stand out from the crowd with this crewneck sweatshirt in SWET Tailor’s 100% Suprese™ material. The hoodie has a custom-engineered 4-way stretch to recoil and rebound. It is lightweight enough to be styled under your favorite jacket.
Price: $99
6. Duo Joggers
This White Duo Joggers is a perfect addition to your closet as you anticipate wearing your whites in spring or summer. Thanks to their modern jogger style, you can wear them anytime, anywhere. It features an elastic waistband and cuff for an easy fit, belt loops for versatility, and an inner waist drawstring for a polished look.
Price: $129
7. Virtus Short
The Virtus Short is an effortless blending of classy and casual styles. The super lightweight fabric and sleek design make you want to own multiple pairs. Why not? SWET Tailor’s athleisure shorts are designed for comfort and style, always ready for your next adventure.
Price: $99
8. Stretch Fleece Zip Hoodie
The Stretch Fleece Zip Hoodie is a perfect choice if you’re a zip hoodie guy. It’s one of the best fleece hoodies on the market today. The Stretch Fleece Zip Hoodie has two front pockets for comfort and rib contrast trims for a modern look. Elevate your wardrobe essentials today by adding this hoodie to your closet.
Price: $99
9. Softest T-Shirt
This incredibly soft t-shirt guarantees a silky, lightweight feel. The Softest T-shirt is so comfortable you’ll never want to take it off. The rounded hem and short length help achieve a better fit that flatters any size. With 18 unique colors, you’ll start buying now and collect as many colors as you want!
Price: $49
10. The “Classics” Bundle
For an easy, convenient, and life-changing wardrobe upgrade, go for The “Classics” Bundle. With SWET Tailor’s men’s clothing bundles, we tick off the hassle out of your morning routine. Each set is packed with comfortable and versatile pieces designed to match perfectly with others.
The “Classics” Bundle includes:
- One SWET-Shirt
- One Pair of All-In Pants
- One Pair of Duo Pants
Price: $240
About SWET Tailor
SWET Tailor is an American company established to redefine casual wear for a modern lifestyle. They believe that style and comfort must come together. With that goal in mind, SWET Tailor created a comfortable and office-ready collection of athleisure wear. The company offers versatile, stylish options that seamlessly transition from casual to formal.
SWET Tailor vs Lululemon and Other High-End Brands
In the early days of the 20th century, there was only leisure. Then, as decades passed, came athletics. The popularity of sports such as golf, tennis, and jogging paved the way for a new clothing style—eventually, a clothing style known as athleisure was born. However, when athleisure was first introduced, the term was quite literal. It refers to athletic clothing to be worn at leisure.
Fast-forward to 2023, sportswear as fashion clothing is linked with cultures worldwide, paving the way for more brands offering these apparel collections.
SWET Tailor stands out in a competitive landscape alongside high-end brands like Lululemon. They are known for exceptionally high quality, good value clothing. Based on the reviews. Their clothing’s color survived several washes without fading.
While Lululemon and other premium brands have established themselves in the market, SWET Tailor differentiates itself in several key aspects, such as:
- Redefine style
- Craftmanship and detail
- Commitment to versatility that seamlessly adapts to various lifestyles
- Global appeal
While Lululemon and similar brands have their market presence, SWET Tailor’s commitment to quality positions it as a captivating choice for those seeking a distinctive wardrobe.
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