Post-Pandemic Trends: Why Americans Are Enjoying the Homebody Lifestyle More Than Ever

Embracing the Homebody Lifestyle

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, many people have chosen to stay home more. New research shows this trend is sticking around.

ATLANTA – A study from Clemson University and UCLA shows that Americans have cut back on going out. On average, people now spend nearly an hour less on activities outside their homes. In 2019, the average time spent was about 5.5 hours per day. By 2021, that number dropped to around 4.5 hours.

During the pandemic, lockdowns created new habits, leading many to enjoy the comforts of home. Eric Morris, one of the researchers, pointed out that people are dining out less and spending less time shopping. This change presents challenges for businesses, especially those in city centers. Many downtown areas are struggling with high office vacancies and less foot traffic.

The move towards staying in more is changing local economies and urban landscapes. Shops and restaurants are facing tough times with fewer customers. In response, city planners may need to rethink how public spaces are used. This could involve transforming unused commercial areas into community-focused places that better fit today’s needs.