Going back to 'normal': What Aussies won't be doing again post-lockdown

As restrictions begin to ease and Australians begin sniffing around outside their hermit crab-like homes, we're all starting to think about what life will look like "post-corona."

The phrase "everything is going back to normal" is being thrown around, but is it really going to be the same "normal"? I think not.

The federal government has announced a three-step plan to lifting the current movement restrictions, with each state enacting the plan when its respective premier deems it is safe.

New South Wales will welcome step one from Friday, but it will be a long time until residents there see steps two or three, whereas locations like the Northern Territory will be flying to the finish line.

So as we begin waking up from our socially-distant loungewear life and start "acting normal" again, I asked friends what habits they won't be returning to — and boy, have people had some serious epiphanies during isolation.

For me: no more making internal excuses for others' poor behaviour. COVID-19 has shown some people think they're above everyone, including the health of the nation. Also, no more sharing drinks with my friends for a while. Gross.

Here are some of the weird and wonderful things my fellow Aussies won't be doing post-"iso":

"Working in the office. Working from home is so much more productive and a much easier commute."

"Socialising in large groups, because the second wave [of infection] is coming."

"No more one night stands."

"I won't be forcing friendships. I've had the time to reflect on some of the more toxic friendships, or, like, the whole 'fake friends' thing, and realised it ain't worth the time or effort now."

"Spending big bucks on sourdough, now that I've mastered it myself."

"Touching an elevator button, pedestrian crossing light, door handle, etc. with my hand."

"I will never take everyday freedoms for granted again. Also, I'll make the effort to support local businesses more."

"I won't be buying coffees out, now I can make my own really good coffee now (well, good-ish, emphasis on the 'ish')."

"Taking public transport."

"Nobody will come to work sick ever again!"

"Being disorganised with cooking and my pantry supplies. I've really enjoyed knowing exactly what's in there, what I need to use, and making sure I use foods before they go off in the fridge."

"I'll probably never order Pad Thai again as I have nailed a recipe I found online."

"Spending a fortune on a gym membership, as we have got a pretty good set-up at home now."

"I don't think I could ever be bothered going to a bottle shop again, after [drink delivery service] Jimmy Brings came in 14 minutes the other day!"

"I'll be sticking to online shopping rather than the malls."

"No longer using 'the gym is closed' as an excuse. Driving to pick up takeaway 'cause it's a reason to go out."

"I won't be partying as much... that's a huge lie I tell myself."

"I won't be living with my housemates for much longer after this period. They've shown their complete disrespect for other people's health and hygiene... not to mention our neighbours' peace and quiet!"

"I won't be returning to the gym."