This year, your personal well-being will have to take top priority. After more than a year of coping with the stress and anxiety brought about by the global pandemic, it should only be right to take the time to really focus on yourself. Nothing screams wellness than personal care establishments like your favorite spa, massage parlor, or nail salon.
As the success of vaccination rollout programs continues across the country, it has also prompted government restrictions to ease. However, the slow reopening of your go-to places will still be dependent on your state and local government authority’s guidelines. Nonetheless, expect the post-pandemic operations of these establishments to look a lot different when you return.
Safe and Sound
In a recently published report, the personal care industry is forecast to grow from $348.16 billion in 2020 to $360.89 billion in 2021. Primarily driven by the fact that there is indeed a growing demand for these services in the wake of the health crisis. Understandably, a lot of people will be looking to recover and reconnect with themselves in the coming months as the country enters the post-pandemic era.
You might have noticed that there have been more comprehensive health protocols implemented in various spaces—both public and private—that recently reopened. With the resumption of physical classes, for instance, educational institutions have installed more stalls in school bathrooms to encourage better physical distancing.
Similar safety measures, like the addition of partitions, will also be enforced in personal care establishments. More particularly because physical interactions are essential to carry these services out. Aside from these, there are other efforts you could consider before you go out for that much-needed rejuvenation. Here are a few of them.
The Early Bird
If you already have plans of going on a pamper-filled weekend, consider booking an appointment with your favorite establishment ahead of time. Likewise, try to get on a business’ reopening wait list if it’s still closed down. As much as possible, avoid doing any walk-ins.
This helps to significantly cut down on any unnecessary contact like sharing pens or a tablet to fill up forms and waivers while waiting to be serviced. Effectively, it will also minimize the risk of transmission of the virus. If your chosen establishment can do all of these processes virtually, that would be much better.
At the Last Minute
Oftentimes, you might feel the need to skip an appointment that’s already been booked for various reasons. Perhaps you just felt unwell or you’re simply uncomfortable with going out of your home given the circumstances.
Whatever the case may be, choose to go for establishments that won’t penalize you for doing so. Cancellation fees are usually part of any business’s operations. However, it’s important to note that the virus is still very much present and businesses should allow you the freedom to move or cancel when you feel necessary.
Online Wellness
Again, it’s understandable if you still have reservations when it comes to going out but still want to have the opportunity to take care of your personal wellness. To reach a compromise between the two, you could also consider supporting establishments that offer lots of virtual avenues.
In light of the global pandemic, the world’s digitalization has also been drastically accelerated. These virtual services can range from online consultations to step-by-step guides on treatments. These do-it-yourself opportunities could also prove to be a great way for you to learn some new skills down the road.
Keep It Clean
Along with cutting down on unnecessary interactions, look for establishments that also have limited operational capacities. This should make you feel more comfortable granted that the establishment won’t be loaded with customers and even professionals.
More importantly, make sure an establishment has an extensive cleaning process in place. Hygiene has become essential over the course of the pandemic. This doesn’t just include the spaces for their services but you also have to note how they sterilize their tools after each use. It should make you feel safer and more at ease to know that cleanliness is a top priority for them.
Ready for the Post-pandemic World
This year is set to be the year of recovery for everyone, especially as the end of the pandemic comes into view thanks to the ongoing vaccination efforts. You’ve probably been experiencing immense burnout after more than a year of living with the unfortunate circumstances.
Now more than ever, taking care of your personal wellness has become extremely crucial. Not just to rid yourself of all the negativity that’s been going on, but also to prepare yourself for the post-pandemic world — mentally and emotionally. It’s time to set yourself up for a strong comeback.
