4 Tips to Managing Today's New Normal

Reality is starting to sink in that we are in a new way of life. Covid-19 has shattered the average person’s day-to-day life. Things are not going back to “normal” and it is very easy to have anxiety and stress during these times, but there are ways to help with that. After reaching out to various people, professional and personal, here are some amazing tips I have found helpful to manage and develop strong positive mental health during these uncertain times.

1. Set yourself a “to-do list” of 3 small things each day 

It could be to walk the dog, make your bed, drink 3 cups of tea, doesn’t matter. Things you know you can achieve. Then at the end of the day check them all off. It helps you feel productive and like you accomplished something even if you’re feeling very unbalanced by everything.  

2. At the end of the day, write a journal entry highlighting what you did that day. 

The fact is, when you are home all day, beyond the lack of human contact, there can sometimes be a feeling like you haven’t accomplished anything at the end of your day. So many of our daily errands, workout classes, work, etc, have been taken away, that what provided that feeling has disappeared.  Even before the pandemic, I had days where I struggled adjusting to home life after travelling. I was looking for outside validation from friends, family and coworkers, that I contributed to society. It took a lot of adjustment to feel that accomplishment. Setting tasks and seeing them crossed off a list really helped or at the end of the day writing a list of all the things I did, even little things like “had a shower and got dressed” filled that need, without the need for validation beyond myself.

3. Avoid the news and negative social media! 

It is so easy to get caught up in the rabbit hole of social media, sending you on a dark spiral. If people are posting about being stressed and anxious or unproductive or anything that reminds you of it, just mute them for 30 days. Delete your news apps, or at the very least turn off notifications. Make a point to watch/read at least 30 minutes of something that makes you laugh every day.  It’s easy to get stressed with all the numbers and how big they are - but remember, as of right now only 0.0003% of Canadians have caught Covid-19 and only 0.0007% of people in the US. 

4. Try and find purpose - no matter how big or small - that can give you focus 

This is going to be a time that we remember for the rest of our lives. It will go into history books. Having a purpose - getting in shape, reorganizing your house, learning how to knit/paint/play guitar, binge watching the entire marvel universe, reading 10 books - whatever it is, helps you feel like you have some control over your life even though everything feels out of control. It helps you wake up and know what to do with your day. The fact that you can look back and say “I used this horrible time and turned it into a positive by getting in shape” or whatever it is can really help. 

Don’t feel bad if you’re still adjusting and struggling to find your footing, and don’t feel bad about relaxing and doing nothing, but try and find that rhythm and purpose that gives you a reason to get up everyday and have something you need to do and accomplish no matter how big or small.

Stay safe,

Coley