Update in Year Three: It's Not "New Normal"; It's Just "Now"

The phrase "new normal" is frequently applied as we approach May 11th when the COVID-19 National Emergency will end.  But,"normal" implies steadiness and the COVID-19 virus has shown that it doesn't stand still. So, where are we "now?"

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a treacherous journey for many. As of this April more than one million Americans didn't make it, while more than six million people world wide have succumbed to this virus.  Another 15 percent of us (though probably many more) have devloped Long COVID, a syndrome where inflammatory processes continue after the initial acute viral infection and create a separate burden.

Beyond these physical manifestations, there are emotional and psychological responses to the pandemic that continue to this day. Researchers have found that the stresses of lockdown as well as the restrictions to usual routines heightened levels of loneliness, anxiety, depression and aggression as well as alcohol and substance use.

One of the few fortunate outcomes of the pandemic is that getting help for mental or behavioral distress no longer required going to a physical office. Through this national emergency clinicans have been permitted to provide telehealth services reimbursable by health insurance. Often, this made the process of getting treatment more convenient and provided safety and security for the client and the clinican as the COVID-19 infection cycle continued. The good news is that--as of this moment--this situation is not expected to change after May 11th. Insurance companies appear satisfied with this option for providing counseling.  

Another fortunate outcome of these challenging years is that the importance of nurturing the self and connecting to others became clear in the face of isolation, loss and disruption. Clients in my clinical and coaching practices reported reprioritizing their time and energy toward relationships in their work, families and social networks. The "stuff" our consumer culture promotes doesn't ground us the way our alliances and interconnections do.

Here's a wish that those of you reading this post "now" are investing in yourself and in the communities--both personal and professional--that encourage you to take good care. 

There's only one of you and, of course, you matter.

Making a difference in Year Two with You.

Life is dynamic, not static. 

Change is happening whether we wish for it or not. If two years of these extraordinary times have taught us anything it is that we can be resilient and can adapt to change, even when it's dramatic. 

I hope we can all take that resourcefulness and use it to make a difference in our self-care. The action towards self-care can be small, but see if you can chose one that you can keep up with.  

Journal a few sentences in the morning. Do a one minute meditation/breathing cycle. Take a walk around the block. Put down your phone for the first three bites of your meal and just focus on the taste of your food and the way your body feels as you eat. At the end of the day think of three things that you are grateful to have experienced. Make your bed a place for sleep and affection but nothing else.

If you start with one goal and it doesn't feel "good enough" after a week, try another.

The point is to take a small incremental action that you can integrate easily into your day (or night.)

Here's a start:  When in doubt---breathe in, breathe out.

Take good care.

Image credit: ABEUTY

"The Great Outdoors": It's a Fact

 To feel in the pink, think green (or ocean blue or woodland brown).

The multiple physical and mental health benefits of a "nature connection" are well-documented in numerous public health research studies. Here's one that was touted in journal, Scientific Reports. The title says it all:

"Spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with good health and wellbeing"

(Mathew P. White, et al., Scientific Reports, June 13, 2019; v. 9; art. 7730)

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-44097-3

The results apply to all age groups and the process requires very little other than some access to a few trees or shrubs, an  expanse of grass or garden, a path near a lake or pond.  120 minutes of outdoor time each week is ideal, but, please don't be intimidated if that seems out of reach. Just like any other change that you want to fit into your lifestyle, you can start low and go slow to get to your goal. 

Plus, you don't have to go it alone. Instead of meeting friends at a restaurant or bar, invite them to  a stroll in the park or even packing a lunch or takeout for a park bench mini-picnic to get your minutes in. Just two hours a week, by yourself or with a friend, child or family member. 

After 18 months, pandemic fatigue is setting in for many of us.

As we change seasons, we can change our ways of taking good care of ourselves.

Until next time, wishing you good health, a good autumn and a good time with Mother Nature.

For Your Consideration: What a Difference a Year Can Make

March 2021: Most of us will mark this one year anniversary in some form or another.

Grief--for what has been lost.

Hope--in light of the the gradual progress being made to return to what was.

Relief--that we may begin to connect with family, friends, colleagues and neighbors without the aid of a video screen.

Gratitude--for those who developed, tested, and arranged for the adminstration of the vaccine to all of us who share this big living room of life.

Please stay well and thanks for all you do to help others stay well, too.

2021: Lessons from the Coyote: Stay Adaptable

It's almost been a year. 

Most folks I know have been juggling multiple roles and responsibilities under extraordinary circumstances. 

Personal, political, and societal pressures have combined to result in challenges to our health--to our physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. 

On a personal and professional note, I have looked to Dr. Anthony Fauci for solid science and to the coyote for lessons in adaptability.

Dr. Fauci's credentials are well known; the coyote's may be less so.  

In the past 70 years, this clever canine has managed to expand its presence in North America by 40 percent. The coyote is found in every state but Hawaii. They've evolved to remain adaptable.

In such difficult times, how do we do the same? How do we increase our ability to adapt?

Research suggests: a) self-care, b) self-awareness, 

c) self-compassion, and d) community.

Research also suggests that any efforts we make in these areas should start small and slowly.

Self-help and educational sites can be good places to start. Look for guidance that is independent and not advertiser supported.

Here are a few:

Psych Central https://psychcentral.com/

American Psychological Association Help Center https://www.apa.org/helpcenter

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration FAQ 

https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline

Of  course, experienced, well-trained clinicians are a good resource, too. 

With our clients we are sharing the same path, adapting as we go, one step at a time.

"Moon Talk-Coyote" by Marion Rose (2008)

The Benefits of Exercising....Our Right to Vote

October 20-November 3, 2020: Please take care and vote.  

Everyone counts.                                                                             

If you need any information, check these websites for answers to your questions.

https://www.usa.gov/voter-research

https://www.eac.gov/voters/voters-guide-to-federal-elections

https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/how-to-vote-2020/

https://www.vote411.org/

 

Managing Fear in Uncertain Times: Part Two

As most of us are dealing with the indefinite, it could be helpful to remember we've been through this before. I'm not speaking about you and I, but there's a long recorded history of people dealing with ambiguous anxiety at a high persistent level.

Give a listen to the eloquent words of Charlotte Bronte in her 1853 novel, Villette 

“Peril, loneliness, an uncertain future, are not oppressive evils, so long as the frame is healthy and the faculties are employed; so long, especially, as Liberty lends us her wings, and Hope guides us by her star.”

Take good care