A NEW NORMAL

Pandemic. Isolation. Scarcity. Recession. Our new reality in a few words—each carrying its own weight within the collective trauma that binds us. Adjusting to a new reality can take a toll physically, mentally and emotionally but this is a valuable opportunity to reflect, find joy and reconnect with ourselves and with loved ones.

So what is normal right now? It is normal to feel fear, anger and/or depression about this new reality, about your health, about the health of loved ones, about the passing of germs, about the supply shortage and reduced accessibility to needed resources, and also to feel worried about finances. This new way of life may be causing changes in sleep patterns, eating habits and activity levels which can impact the body and brain, rippling into mental health and pre-existing conditions.

Luckily, many negative changes can be minimized by practicing some daily health behaviors: 

Keep your “normal” as much as possible. For example, wake up and go to bed at the same time, and substitute what was previously gym time with another form of physical activity.

Eat regular meals, and eat clean. Your doctor is right: Limiting the consumption of processed sugar has a positive impact on energy levels and both mental and emotional health due to its link to the development of many medical conditions.

Balance rest with activities that genuinely bring joy and intellectual stimulation. Get creative and work in “me time”, family time and some other form of safe, social connection. Yoga and meditation are great options for managing stress.

Perform self-check-ins. Two to three times a day, ask yourself: “How am I feeling today mentally and physically?” “When did I last eat a whole meal?” “When did I last practice my personal hygiene routine?” “What’s taking up most of my headspace today?” This helps ensure appropriate self-care is maintained and builds awareness of any warning signs as they emerge.

Limit exposure to the news. Keep a positive mindset and avoid things that exacerbate anxious or depressive symptoms.

Sometimes the very things that generate feelings of resistance are the things we need the most. Growth never comes from denial and avoidance. Accept and embrace the discomfort. This is how to change our relationship with fear and painful emotions. This is how to grow and emerge on the other side of this new normal stronger than ever.

Sydney Wasdin is an associate licensed counselor, national board certified counselor and certified yoga teacher at True Yoga and Therapy, in Daphne. To connect, call or text 251-450-8300 or email
[email protected].

Knowing When to Get Help

Consider counseling services if you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms such as persistent low mood, loss of interest or pleasure, significant appetite or weight changes, thoughts of suicide, panic attacks, difficulty controlling impulses or anger, or any harmful behavior changes such as increased use of alcohol or other substances. In addition to providing assessment and therapy, counselors can also assist with providing referrals to appropriate care providers. To find counselors that fit your needs by zip code, visit PsychologyToday.com.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, including the intent to harm yourself or others,
call 911 or a 24/7 support line:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:
1-800-273-TALK (8255)

National Alliance on Mental Illness Crisis Text Line: text NAMI to 741-741

National Domestic Violence Hotline:800-799-SAFE (7233)