During this time of hunkering down, I have really tried to use the extra moments to embrace what I love—continued interior design education, cooking and exercise. At the same time, there are a variety feelings surrounding this time at home paired with self-discovery, deeper conversations with friends and family and moments in the evening when nothing is happening at all. It has been hard to put into words what emotions I have had until a friend of mine sent an article on grief from the Harvard Business Review and Fashion Snoops packaged a “The Quarantined Consumer” webinar discussing the sentiments around COVID-19 that are impacting consumer behavior. Their “Mapping Our Emotions” slide below spoke to me about what we are dealing with and what we may expect related to trends to look out for in the coming months.
Here is what I gleaned from the webinar that may help you define your thoughts and emotions as well:
- ANXIETY: An unknown future creates nervousness and uncertainty. Our organizations, business partners and vendors are a part of the calm to this, creating content associated with dealing with the pandemic and webinars that take our minds off the day-to-day challenges (like the one I gave on “10 Ways to Refresh Your Outdoor Living Space”).
- CAUTION: Buying behaviors have already changed. Delivery and automated commerce have demonstrated this with porch drops, pick-ups and remote delivery.
- SUPPORT: Zoom, Netflix and Peloton have allowed us to meet, enjoy and exercise in a safe way. Even happy hours with their version of safe social interaction have provided a sense of support.
- EMPATHY: Companies, people and government are creating ways to provide solutions over profits. Random acts of kindness are on the rise and the “We are all in this together.” mantra is ringing true.
- TOGETHERNESS: Virtual new friendships, DJ dance parties (with tipping capabilities) and other streaming celebrations allow people to squelch loneliness. Connectedness among family members and co-workers are on the rise and may lead to a need for much needed human touch when this is all over.
- HEALING: We are in a world crisis but healing with new habits. Local mindset, cooking at home and evolving business models have allowed the earth to breathe and people to reconsider their travel and commute routines.
How do you feel this crisis will change your day-to-day life moving forward? I would love to hear you thoughts and examples in the comments below. In the meantime, stay well and keep smiling!
