Three lessons from Lockdown that we can all take with us into the Third Wave

As we face the staggering reality of a third wave of Covid-19, it is worth revisiting some of the lessons we have learned about ourselves and the world over the past 12 months.

“Our new normal is starting to look more familiar and what we thought were temporary measures have now become permanent features in our lives. We are already in a third wave but as yet, we don’t know how bad it will get and what restrictions will be implemented.,” says Rioma Cominelli, a Director at First Loyalty Plus. “Whether or not we end up another lockdown, it’s a great opportunity to reflect on our experiences, to learn and grow so that we can be more resilient this time around.”

Rioma reminds us of three lessons that we learned during lockdown that are as relevant today as they were a year ago:

1. Be careful online

From online shopping and next-day delivery to getting great deals, the digital world offers convenience at the click of a button. With monthly transactions up by a whopping 40%, purchasing goods and services online definitely has its perks but it also has its drawbacks too. Worldwide, the statistics for cybercrime have skyrocketed. From ransomware, phoney apps, email phishing to malware – the online world makes us increasingly vulnerable to attack. So what can you do to keep yourself safe online? As a rule of thumb, don’t buy anything online unless it’s from a well-known, trusted site. Double check every link before you click and if you find yourself saying that an offer is too good to be true, it probably is! And never give up sensitive information such as your password, bank account or credit card details unless it’s to a company you absolutely trust.

2. Be wiser with your spending

People have less to spend which means they need to be wiser with their money. A whopping 87% of South Africa’s consumers remain concerned about their ability to pay their bills so now more than ever, it’s important to find ways to spend less and experience more. One of the ways they can do this is by joining a loyalty programme. 72% of South African’s are already part of a loyalty programme and it’s little wonder why. Designed to give you more for less, there are different types of loyalty programmes from point-based systems to paid programmes. First Loyalty, for example, is a paid programme that enables you to save up to 50% on holidays, movies, online shopping, coffees and even spa treatments. You even get R120 back on meals. So make wise choices with your money in the months and years ahead.

3. Connect with others

Isolation and financial burdens as a result of the year-long pandemic has sparked anxiety, depression and increased suicide. There’s no denying that lockdown made us realise that there’s little that compares to spending time together. Real-life connection is the essence of wellbeing; so it’s more important than ever to ensure that you stay connected with those close to you. Be deliberate about connecting both digitally and face-to-face (just make sure you do one-on-one coffee dates armed with masks and sanitiser).

Rioma concludes by saying that lockdown life has taught us some important lessons. Mostly we have learnt to appreciate the moment and that sometimes it’s good to stop, reflect and find strength in the good things. “We have learned to be grateful for what we have and where we find ourselves. Things will change and we’ll be much stronger for the lessons we have learned about ourselves and the world when they do.”