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Mentor

New Habits from COVID-19 and the New Normal

Posted by Teresa, Volunteer Mentor @hopeful33250, Apr 13, 2020

We are all looking forward to the future and going back to the former way of life that we enjoyed pre-COVID-19. But I've been reflecting on some of the adaptations in my behavior and attitude that I've been forced to make that I'd actually like to keep when the restrictions are lifted. For example, I intend to continue to wash my hands more diligently and likely more frequently as I've been doing these past weeks. I'd also like to retain the slower pace for as long as I'm able. It's a pleasure to not be rushing around so much. When the busy-ness of life returns, I hope I can continue to insert slow into my day, at least for part of it. I'm planning on appreciating the medical community more (who have made so many sacrifices during this time) rather than criticizing them for what I perceive are their inadequacies.

Is there something you have learned during this time (perhaps a new habit or attitude that you've adopted) that you hope to keep doing after the COVID restrictions are lifted?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Post-COVID Recovery & COVID-19 Support Group.

Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Apr 14, 2020
In reply to @zep "Hi Sue. Are you saying that you go on daily walks with your neighbors? If so,..." + (show)
@zep

Hi Sue. Are you saying that you go on daily walks with your neighbors? If so, what distance do you keep? Can you converse at that distance? The reason I ask is that I would love to do that too, but have been afraid.

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@zep We live in a fairly closed little community. At last count 50 occupied residences, most with one or two people. The roads are 22 feet wide, so we walk 3-4 abreast and are more than 6 feet apart. Because there are so few of us, our roads have virtually no traffic, so it is quiet and we can talk.
Keep in mind - our core group numbers about 14, we have all been together since October, only 3-4 of us walk together at one time. We have been sharing daily activities and meals (not now though), we have been sheltered in place together since March 13th, only a few of us leave the compound about once a week for provisions. None of us have contact with newcomers except to chat from the road, don't use common areas like showers and pool, and the clubhouse facilities are closed except for mail & book pickup. We have an excellent cleaning crew who sanitize everything daily, and I use the laundry only immediately after it is cleaned. Because most of our people are older and have health issues, anyone who even has a sniffle immediately self-isolates, and we have even only had 2 cases of flu here back in early January.
When I go home, after I self-isolate for 2 weeks to be sure I didn't bring anything home, I will join my neighbors walking - but our neighborhood has a lot of wide little-traveled roads, so we will similarly be able to maintain distance.
Stay calm, stay safe.
Sue

REPLY
2 replies
zep | @zep | Apr 14, 2020
In reply to @sueinmn "@zep We live in a fairly closed little community. At last count 50 occupied residences, most..." + (show)
@sueinmn

@zep We live in a fairly closed little community. At last count 50 occupied residences, most with one or two people. The roads are 22 feet wide, so we walk 3-4 abreast and are more than 6 feet apart. Because there are so few of us, our roads have virtually no traffic, so it is quiet and we can talk.
Keep in mind - our core group numbers about 14, we have all been together since October, only 3-4 of us walk together at one time. We have been sharing daily activities and meals (not now though), we have been sheltered in place together since March 13th, only a few of us leave the compound about once a week for provisions. None of us have contact with newcomers except to chat from the road, don't use common areas like showers and pool, and the clubhouse facilities are closed except for mail & book pickup. We have an excellent cleaning crew who sanitize everything daily, and I use the laundry only immediately after it is cleaned. Because most of our people are older and have health issues, anyone who even has a sniffle immediately self-isolates, and we have even only had 2 cases of flu here back in early January.
When I go home, after I self-isolate for 2 weeks to be sure I didn't bring anything home, I will join my neighbors walking - but our neighborhood has a lot of wide little-traveled roads, so we will similarly be able to maintain distance.
Stay calm, stay safe.
Sue

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Sue, thanks for the input. Our town is very small with fairly wide roads, and very few people out walking. Maybe I can find a fellow walker.

REPLY
Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Apr 14, 2020
In reply to @hopeful33250 "Yes, @zeiracorp, interactions with people have a lifting experience - no doubt about that. What habit..." + (show)
@hopeful33250

Yes, @zeiracorp, interactions with people have a lifting experience - no doubt about that. What habit that you developed from COViD-19 that you would like to continue, @zeiracorp?

@sueinmn, you say that you struggle to stay positive. What helps you to get back to positive thoughts?

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@hopeful33250 Teresa - Doing something productive helps me the most. Already back from a 40 minute walk, as soon as I finish here I'm heading for my patio "sewing station" to make more scrub caps.
Sue

REPLY
Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Apr 14, 2020
In reply to @windwalker "Hello everybody! So far, being in 'lock-down' has suited me just fine. I am a homebody..." + (show)
@windwalker

Hello everybody! So far, being in 'lock-down' has suited me just fine. I am a homebody by nature and have plenty of projects to do around here. My spouse and I are living separately because he will not stay home or practice social distancing. We are fortunate that we have two homes to be in, and I was able to make that call. I am living in total peace now and am considering making this a permanent arrangement. I do worry about him contracting the virus, but there is nothing I can do to make him change his behavoir. It has been nice to get things done around here such as: cleaning out cabinets and closets, organizing the pantry and the freezer. I have interior wall painting to do, pest control spraying, and gardening. Once all of the 'chores' are done, I will hopefully get back into my art. I have two large scale paintings that I have been meaning to do. This covid virus has made me even more determined to grow a large garden and learn to can food. I may even get a few chickens for eggs. My goal is to have a more self sustaining food source. I am not lonely, as I have many friends that I visit through social media and of course, my friends here on Connect. So, that is how I am doing. Anybody else want to chime in?

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@windwalker Hello Terri, So what part of your current COVID-19 habits would like to keep after COVID-19 restrictions are lifted?

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Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Apr 14, 2020

This article was posted on Mayo Clinic News Network
- Is COVID-19 the end of the handshake as we know it? https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/is-covid-19-the-end-of-the-handshake-as-we-know-it/

Dr. Gregory Poland, infectious disease specialists gives us a history lesson on the handshake.
"The whole idea of extending your right hand derives from mid-evil times when you showed that by extending your right hand, you were not harboring a weapon," Dr. Poland explains. "The reality of it is, in modern times, you may well be harboring a bio-weapon, so to speak. I think there are much more safe and culturally appropriate ways to indicate a greeting."

I believe the handshake may be one habit that changes for everyone post COVID-19. People with compromised immune systems or suffering from pain like rheumatoid arthritis may be happy to see the handshake become a custom of the past. For cultures where embracing and cheek kisses are the norm, that may change too.

What will be our new way of greeting colleagues, neighbors and friends?

REPLY
1 reply
lioness | @lioness | Apr 14, 2020
In reply to @windwalker "Hello everybody! So far, being in 'lock-down' has suited me just fine. I am a homebody..." + (show)
@windwalker

Hello everybody! So far, being in 'lock-down' has suited me just fine. I am a homebody by nature and have plenty of projects to do around here. My spouse and I are living separately because he will not stay home or practice social distancing. We are fortunate that we have two homes to be in, and I was able to make that call. I am living in total peace now and am considering making this a permanent arrangement. I do worry about him contracting the virus, but there is nothing I can do to make him change his behavoir. It has been nice to get things done around here such as: cleaning out cabinets and closets, organizing the pantry and the freezer. I have interior wall painting to do, pest control spraying, and gardening. Once all of the 'chores' are done, I will hopefully get back into my art. I have two large scale paintings that I have been meaning to do. This covid virus has made me even more determined to grow a large garden and learn to can food. I may even get a few chickens for eggs. My goal is to have a more self sustaining food source. I am not lonely, as I have many friends that I visit through social media and of course, my friends here on Connect. So, that is how I am doing. Anybody else want to chime in?

Jump to this post

@windwalker I love your attitude . Im an introvert so being at home does not bother me at all . I have so many things to keep me occupied . Connect is like a family we are kind on her where the outside world isn't but I do hope this will make everyone more kinder to each other , more respectful to each other . Its important in these days to say thank you to all those delivery people they as well as the 1st liners are putting themselves at rush everyday. When I bake I always give them a cookie for the road or whatever it is . They work so hard . I do socialize but am just as content to be at home with all my activities I have going . Some days I clean , cook, pot indoor plants or send a card to friends .

REPLY
1 reply
fiesty76 | @fiesty76 | Apr 14, 2020
In reply to @zep "fiesty76 I am a Texan, too. I share your bewilderment (to put it politely) at our..." + (show)
@zep

fiesty76 I am a Texan, too. I share your bewilderment (to put it politely) at our "Honorable" Governor. I hadn't heard the per capita statistic. There goes a tiny shred of calm.

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So glad@Zep to be greeting another Texan in this great group of people. It means more than some would imagine to work to stay positive when surrounded by too many I know, but refuse in sharing political opinions with, who support every action or inaction this head of our state gov't takes or neglects to take. My daughter keeps telling me it is ok to share a differing opinion; I think not...just steer conversations in a new direction...with "I think elected officials, at whatever level, regardless of party, whether local, state or federal need to put all politics aside and instead, focus on what can be done through a unity of effort and intellect for the good of all. What affects one of us, will to some degree or measure affect us all eventually. Statistics now report that taking precautionary measures is making a positive difference.

REPLY
fiesty76 | @fiesty76 | Apr 14, 2020
In reply to @sueinmn "@zep We live in a fairly closed little community. At last count 50 occupied residences, most..." + (show)
@sueinmn

@zep We live in a fairly closed little community. At last count 50 occupied residences, most with one or two people. The roads are 22 feet wide, so we walk 3-4 abreast and are more than 6 feet apart. Because there are so few of us, our roads have virtually no traffic, so it is quiet and we can talk.
Keep in mind - our core group numbers about 14, we have all been together since October, only 3-4 of us walk together at one time. We have been sharing daily activities and meals (not now though), we have been sheltered in place together since March 13th, only a few of us leave the compound about once a week for provisions. None of us have contact with newcomers except to chat from the road, don't use common areas like showers and pool, and the clubhouse facilities are closed except for mail & book pickup. We have an excellent cleaning crew who sanitize everything daily, and I use the laundry only immediately after it is cleaned. Because most of our people are older and have health issues, anyone who even has a sniffle immediately self-isolates, and we have even only had 2 cases of flu here back in early January.
When I go home, after I self-isolate for 2 weeks to be sure I didn't bring anything home, I will join my neighbors walking - but our neighborhood has a lot of wide little-traveled roads, so we will similarly be able to maintain distance.
Stay calm, stay safe.
Sue

Jump to this post

@sue, Would that all communities, regardless of size, were using the same care that you and yours are observing.

REPLY
Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Apr 14, 2020
In reply to @colleenyoung "This article was posted on Mayo Clinic News Network - Is COVID-19 the end of the..." + (show)
@colleenyoung

This article was posted on Mayo Clinic News Network
- Is COVID-19 the end of the handshake as we know it? https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/is-covid-19-the-end-of-the-handshake-as-we-know-it/

Dr. Gregory Poland, infectious disease specialists gives us a history lesson on the handshake.
"The whole idea of extending your right hand derives from mid-evil times when you showed that by extending your right hand, you were not harboring a weapon," Dr. Poland explains. "The reality of it is, in modern times, you may well be harboring a bio-weapon, so to speak. I think there are much more safe and culturally appropriate ways to indicate a greeting."

I believe the handshake may be one habit that changes for everyone post COVID-19. People with compromised immune systems or suffering from pain like rheumatoid arthritis may be happy to see the handshake become a custom of the past. For cultures where embracing and cheek kisses are the norm, that may change too.

What will be our new way of greeting colleagues, neighbors and friends?

Jump to this post

Thanks for posting this Colleen. We need to come up with a replacement for the handshake, no doubt about that. I just posted this article on my personal Facebook page with the following header:

"What should we about the handshake? COVID-19 has changed our attitude towards shaking hands, however, once this crisis comes to end should we go back to the traditional handshake or should we replace it with another type of greeting? Please read this article and feel free to comment."

Right now, I'm not sure what the answer is to how to end the handshake, but it is something we must consider.

REPLY
Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Apr 14, 2020
In reply to @fiesty76 "Hi, @sycamore1209, I agree. Smiles and simple courtesy are free and easy to share. We never..." + (show)
@fiesty76

Hi, @sycamore1209, I agree. Smiles and simple courtesy are free and easy to share. We never know the impact they may have on a stranger having a particularly hard day. Reminds me of what our ele. schl prin. said a lfetime ago to our faculty just before the first day of the school year: "Always be kind. You never know what troubles another may have just experienced before meeting him or her" I have never forgotten him nor those words. Smiles are much like other forms of kindness. We never know what ripples of comfort they may unknowingly spread.

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When you say, "Always be kind." You are making a statement that speaks louder than words, @fiesty76! I've heard it said,

"It is more important to be kind than to be right."

What if we practiced that philosophy?

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