The New Normal: Unseen Dangers in the Post-COVID Era and the Call for Mindful Wellness

The world has changed irrevocably since the COVID-19 pandemic. As we move beyond the crisis, we find ourselves navigating a new normal—one marked by fluctuating uncertainty, a fast-paced 24-hour news cycle, and heightened political polarisation. While society has adapted to many aspects of this reality, the unseen dangers that have emerged may be influencing our decisions, behaviours, and mental health in ways we’re only beginning to understand. Two key factors—life history theory and psychological priming—are playing a subtle but powerful role in shaping our behavior, often pushing us towards stress and unhealthy reactions. These forces are particularly insidious in an environment where every click of the news feed or political campaign ad feels like it’s nudging us toward a crisis mentality.

Life History Theory: Survival Mindset in the Modern World

Life history theory, a concept originating in evolutionary psychology, helps explain how humans have adapted their life strategies based on environmental conditions. It suggests that our decisions, from reproduction to resource management, are shaped by whether we perceive our environment as stable or unpredictable. During periods of crisis or uncertainty, such as the pandemic, we instinctively shift towards behaviours associated with survival. This might mean focusing on immediate gratification, limiting long-term planning, or becoming more reactive to perceived threats.

Studies have shown that when people perceive their environment as dangerous or unpredictable, they are more likely to adopt what’s called a "fast life history strategy." This strategy prioritises short-term goals, such as immediate safety or satisfaction, over long-term planning. For example, research conducted during the COVID-19 crisis has found that people who felt uncertain about the future were more likely to engage in behaviours that reflect a fast life history approach, such as hoarding, excessive consumption, or neglecting long-term health.

The challenge is that, in a post-COVID world, many of us remain in a heightened state of survival-mode thinking—even when the external threat has subsided. The rush to return to “normal” may inadvertently push people into stress cycles, where they act out of fear rather than long-term wellness or growth. Psychologically, this can lead to burnout, strained relationships, and a deepened sense of insecurity, even as we enjoy the freedom of a more open society. In other words, our evolved survival instincts, shaped by the harsh realities of the pandemic, are still dictating many of our reactions in the modern world.

Psychological Priming: Nudging Behavior through the 24-Hour News Cycle

Parallel to the theory of life history is the influence of psychological priming, particularly from 24-hour news cycles and political campaigns. The rapid flow of information, often sensationalised for maximum impact, primes us to perceive danger around every corner. Political campaigns, too, often use fear-based messaging to "nudge" people toward specific behaviours, casting certain actions, candidates, or policies as matters of survival for the future of society. This constant barrage of messages primes our brains to respond emotionally rather than rationally.

The impact? A heightened sense of threat, constant anxiety, and a narrowing of our cognitive focus—what psychologists call a “tunnel vision” effect. This priming keeps us on edge, making us more reactive and less capable of thoughtful reflection. Studies have shown that people who are repeatedly exposed to fear-based media messaging are more likely to exhibit higher levels of anxiety, stress, and even aggressive behavior. For instance, a study published in Psychological Science found that exposure to fear-inducing news about terrorism increased the likelihood of people supporting more extreme political policies, even if those policies were not aligned with their personal values.

As we’ve seen during the pandemic, this heightened anxiety can influence how we make decisions—especially in times of crisis, or perceived crisis. It’s a dangerous cycle that not only impacts how we respond to immediate threats but also how we engage with one another, our communities, and even our own wellbeing.

The Unseen Consequences: A Call for Mindfulness in the Post-COVID Era

We are living in a time where wellness is everything. The mental and emotional toll of COVID-19, combined with the psychological forces of life history theory and priming, has created a landscape where self-care, mindfulness, and holistic wellness are more crucial than ever before. Yet, amidst the chaos and constant external influence, many are losing sight of how essential it is to center our own mental health.

Here’s the challenge: As we continue to recover from the pandemic, it’s vital to become more mindful of the unseen influences shaping our decisions. It’s easy to be swept up in the constant flood of information, constantly reacting to external stimuli. But real change comes when we take a step back, reflect on our core values, and reintroduce practices that bring balance and perspective into our lives.

How do we break free from this cycle of stress and anxiety? The answer lies in holistic wellness—a practice that goes beyond physical fitness and embraces mental, emotional, and even spiritual well-being.

Here are a few strategies for embracing mindful wellness in this new normal:

1. Limit Media Consumption: While staying informed is important, consciously reducing your exposure to fear-driven news cycles can drastically reduce anxiety. Opt for longer, deeper content that is centered around growth, learning, and positive action.
2. Reconnect with Nature: Nature has an undeniable way of grounding us. Take the time to walk, meditate, or simply sit outdoors. Nature can act as a powerful antidote to the chaos of modern life and help reset your nervous system.
3. Focus on Long-Term Well-being, Not Instant Gratification: Challenge the life-history mentality of "short-term survival" by embracing habits that promote long-term well-being, such as regular exercise, deep reflection, and planning for the future. This helps move us from reactive survival mode into proactive growth.
4. Cultivate Emotional Resilience: Being able to respond to threats calmly and rationally requires emotional strength. Mindfulness practices such as meditation or journaling can help develop emotional resilience, allowing us to face life’s challenges with a clear mind.
5. Foster Connection Over Division: In a time of political polarisation, we must focus on fostering empathy and understanding rather than feeding into divisive rhetoric. Meaningful conversations that seek understanding rather than conflict help nurture a sense of collective well-being.
6. Support Mental Health as a Priority: Post-pandemic, more people are recognising the importance of mental health. It’s essential to create work environments and social circles where mental health is valued, and seeking help is encouraged, not stigmatised.

Conclusion: The Power of Mindful Wellness in the New Normal

The post-COVID era demands a careful balance. While we have emerged from the pandemic, the unseen dangers of life history theory and psychological priming continue to nudge us into stress and anxiety. However, the full behavioural effects of COVID-19 are still to be seen, as the long-term psychological impacts are likely to unfold over the coming years. What we know now is that the pandemic has pushed many of us into a heightened state of survival thinking, but the longer-term consequences on mental health, behaviour, and societal dynamics are still emerging.

By becoming more mindful of these influences, we can break the cycle of reactivity and embrace a path of holistic wellness—one that nurtures mental, emotional, and physical health. The real challenge will be understanding the full depth of these shifts as they play out, and responding in a way that allows us to grow beyond this phase of crisis-driven reactions.

The new normal requires not just surviving, but thriving. Through mindfulness and wellness practices, we can regain control over our responses, reset our priorities, and build a future rooted in resilience and balance. It’s time to take back our peace of mind—and create a society that values wellness above all else.