The “new normal” is a term now being used to describe our current point in time, as we move forward from the Covid-19 virus which has not only disrupted our country but most of the world in recent months.
The truth is that what was previously “the norm” is no longer the case.
The ability to come and go, traveling in and out the country, and even from state to state, has been severely restricted.
Recently my husband was returning to Florida from North Carolina and was stopped by police at the state line, asking him what his business was. He showed his Florida driver’s license and they let him pass through. We wouldn’t have thought six months ago that this could happen! While the choices we want to make regarding our travel may be not under our own control currently, we must remember that we still have the ability to learn things and make new choices that have the ability to positively impact our future!
What am I talking about? I’m referring to creating your own “new normal” via the power of choosing to make decisions right now to make your future a happier and healthier one!
1. One thing we have definitely learned from the spread of Coronavirus is the importance of personal hygiene. Make the personal decision to continue to wash your hands with antibacterial soap and rinse in hot water for 20 seconds. Also, another good suggestion would be to carry hand sanitizer and use it after you touch commonly used items such as shopping carts, gas pumps and ATM machines.
2. Another good suggestion would be to stay home if you don’t feel well. Take care of yourself and protect others from illness in the process.
3. Determine your own guidelines regarding social distancing. Although you may not feel it necessary to continue wearing a mask, you certainly can feel free to determine how much is a safe distance that you wish to maintain from other people. Also, ask yourself, “Am I open to hand-shaking and other personal contact that might transfer illness?” These are questions you might wish to consider.
4. Determine how to best protect your body in the future from serious illnesses. While a vaccine may not totally provide the total solution in the future, there are definitely choices we can make to aid in the defense of our immune system. I would like to share a few suggestions that I have personally found to stay healthy, especially during flu season:
- a) Eat a healthy diet of food high in vitamins and nutrients and lower in sugar, as sugar can cause inflammation in your body. Include foods that contain the following nutrients, or you may include supplements, which can help your immune system stay stronger. Those that I have personally used and found to be most effective are vitamin C, Zinc, the B vitamins – especially B-6 and B-12 – and D3. Contact your doctor to determine the dosage best suitable for you.
- b) Exercise and/or walk outside, if possible and weather permitting. Vitamin D3 is known as the sunshine vitamin. So just getting a healthy amount of sun can help enhance your immune system. Be careful to protect your skin and eyes in the process. Exercise also is great for your cardiovascular health, as well as promoting endorphins or what we call “feel good” chemicals necessary for a positive mood and to fight depression. With exercise, it is always best to start slow and I would recommend consulting your doctor before beginning a brand new exercise regimen.
- c) Finally, don’t neglect your spiritual health. While most of us have not been able to attend church or group functions, we still have the ability to make a choice to have daily fellowship with God, and to include our family in our worship. We can include daily reading of the Bible or spiritual books, which can encourage our spiritual walk and bring us closer to God. Jeremiah 29:11 tells us, “I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for a hope and a future.” As we focus on Him, we can realize that what is happening today is temporary. As we come to realize that while we reside in a world that might limit us, we can make a choice to worship the God who “can do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine.” (Ephesians 3:20)
Choose to put your faith in a loving God who can offer you spiritual strength, no matter what your circumstances! He is waiting. All you need to do is ask!
God bless you as you make the changes to make your life more positive and lead to your “New Normal” in the days ahead!