Dealing with the New Normal

The fact that people are experiencing increased levels of anxiety is one of the many consequences of living in such uncertain times.  In fact one poll from the Washington Post and ABC News in late March, says that “77 percent of American women and 61 percent of men were reporting personal stress.”  The poll also found that 69% of Americans are worried about family members, and even more worry that the economic impact will be greater or worse than the Great Recession. 

 

So how do we deal with the new normal?  Experts stress that we need to remember to take care of ourselves, both our bodies and our minds.  As we work from home, take care of our families full-time, and deal with the worries of the world; don’t forget to take the time to check in and listen to what you need.  

Ben Crocker, MD, a medical director for a large primary care practice and a healthy lifestyle advocate, reminds us that it is okay to mourn for what we have lost.  He says it is normal to feel sad about not being able to see family members or friends or unhappy about not being able to attend worship services or a favorite activity or class.  When we acknowledge loss, it helps us to feel more grounded with our reality.  Dr. Crocker suggests we intentionally add some ‘shutdown’ time in our schedule for “meditation and quietude.”

Other tools to help cope with anxiety include eating a nutrient-rich diet and making time to take a walk, ride your bike or exercise at home.  Also remember it is important to get enough sleep each night as well as to connect socially with loved ones.  Finally, don’t get caught up in just focusing on the negative but rather take some time out each day to be grateful for what we do have. 

For the area’s finest memory care and assisted living, Glendale area seniors are encouraged to consider MorningStar at Arrowhead.  We are still accepting residents during this difficult time, confident in our protective protocols.  Please see our website for more information about our community and a message from the CEO detailing our coronavirus (COVID-19) response.

MorningStar at Arrowhead proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about the finest memory care and assisted living Glendale AZ offers.

Sources:

washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/wellness/anxiety-coronavirus-sleep-memory-anger-focus/2020/04/03/61dab1b0-75b9-11ea-85cb-8670579b863d_story.html

health.harvard.edu/blog/6-self-care-steps-for-a-pandemic-always-important-now-essential-2020041619563