NEW research by Specsavers , has identified what we can’t wait to see, hear and do as lockdown restrictions are eased, with six in 10 people looking forward to things many of us considered mundane, pre-lockdown.

Some of life’s simpler pleasures, such as experiencing going for a pint with a friend (28%), going shopping for clothes (35%), the sights and sounds of a busy high street (26%) or merely sharing a smile (22%) have been missed most during lockdown.

Over 60% of those in London have been busy planning their post-lockdown lives, according to the study, conducted by OnePoll. Being able to go on holiday whenever you fancy tops the list at 35%, while 23% can’t wait to visit the theatre, a further 27% are looking forward to having after work drinks.

The study has also highlighted the importance of human connections with 35% of Londoners saying they want to see people without their masks. Those people (38%) who enjoy a hug, have found the restrictions especially hard.

Specsavers has partnered with Sensory Trust to highlight the importance of sight and hearing in appreciating all life has to offer. Jane Stoneham, Director of Sensory Trust, says: ‘This research highlights the human need for connection with people and places through sensory experiences. It is interesting to see that second on the list is seeing people without masks and number six is shaking someone’s hand.

‘We know that connecting with people and places on a sensory level provides deeper, longer lasting experiences. From the smells and sounds associated with being in the middle of a crowd of people at a festival on a hot day to the shaking of a hand or a hug with a loved one, sensory input such as this gets our neurons firing, laying down new pathways.

‘Our senses are closely connected with memory – recalling past ones and laying down new memories. For example, emotions can be triggered by sounds even before our cognitive processes have recognised what that sound is.’

For those across London who took part in the poll, queuing for a beer at a gig (14%), being crammed in on public transport (12%) or stuck in traffic (11%) and commuting to work (16%) will apparently no longer be sources of disgruntlement.

Dr Josie Forte, Specsavers clinical spokesperson, says: ‘There are some ordinary experiences that you would never have thought you’d miss until something unexpected like the pandemic happened.

‘As the sights, smells and sounds of daily life, however mundane, look set to resume this summer, it’ll be interesting to see how this newfound appreciation impacts people and how long it will last – or will many of us revert to taking such things for granted again?’

Pre-lockdowns, 49% of adults admitted that they took the freedom of their daily life for granted, but those polled estimated it’ll take a further nine months following restrictions being lifted for life to feel ‘normal’ once more. While 44% think that there will be further covid lockdowns, 23% fear they’ll find it hard to readjust to the way things were. A third plan to carry on life at a slower pace, while 33% want more quality family time and 24% will take more moments to stop and reflect in future.

The sounds we are looking forward to include a busy restaurant (43%) being at the theatre (33%), live music at concerts and gigs (34%), the sound of the departure board at the airport (32%) and the day to day sound of a pint of beer being pulled at the bar (29%)!

Dr Forte adds: ‘There are definitely plenty of everyday moments to look forward to in the coming months so getting your sight band hearing checked will ensure that you can enjoy these moments to the maximum.’