Coping with COVID-19: the “New Normal”

Relentless, invisible, widespread, unnerving and continually challenging us. COVID-19 has changed our world, requiring us to find ways to defend and protect ourselves mentally and emotionally as well as physically. So, how do we cope with COVID-19 and this “new normal?”

10 Strategies for Coping with COVID-19 and the New Normal

Here are some ways to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic:

1. Live in the moment.

   Don’t spend a lot of time worrying about the future. Do things that make you feel better and keep you moving forward. Enjoy hobbies you can do at home and set attainable goals for each day.

2. Have a routine.

   Maintain a regular bedtime, eat nutritious foods, exercise, and set aside moments for activities you enjoy. Especially during this time of uncertainty, a regular routine gives a framework to mentally hold onto.

3. Be informed–but not too informed.

   Keeping up with COVID-19 pandemic news is a good thing. Becoming consumed and overwhelmed by news and information can trigger stress.

4. Find the positive.

   A call from a grandchild, the plants in your garden, the sun streaming in through your window. Make a list of things you can be thankful for.

5. Stay connected.

   Phone calls, texts, emails and social media platforms enable us to stay connected while physically apart. Retreating from others is not coping. Maintain contact with people who love you and stay interested in the world around you.

6. Help someone.

   Isolation can make us feel powerless. Call a friend who is feeling down, help them shop online for groceries or locate someone to mow their lawn.

7. Stay active and healthy.

   Make a commitment to your health. Continue to eat nutritious foods, exercise and take your medications correctly.

8. Set aside some quiet time.

   Go for a walk, play music, or open a window and feel the breeze. Let go of any anxiety you may be feeling. Even 10 minutes of relaxation can be very refreshing.

9. Limit alcohol consumption.

   Too much alcohol can reduce coping skills, worsen depression and adversely affect the quality of your overall health.

10. Get enough sleep.

    Studies show that people who are sleep-deprived are more stressed, angry and mentally exhausted than people who do get sufficient sleep.

Care Management

It’s important to know that as a senior or a family caregiver you’re not alone when you’re coping with COVID-19. There are a host of professionals that provide important medical care and services in a senior’s home.

At Bethesda, a care management team member can:

• evaluate senior needs
• customize a plan of care
• check eligibility for assistance programs
• plan for current and future needs

Bethesda Care Coordinators make coping with COVID-19 easier by supplying answers resources, and vital information for a senior’s care.

St. Andrews & Bethesda Home Health provides:

• medication, pain and wound management.
• medical care
• therapy services
• personal care assistance

In addition, Bethesda has independent, assisted living, and skilled nursing communities located throughout the St. Louis area. Delivering various levels of care and supervision for seniors.

For more information and additional tips, see the Caregiver Tips section of our blog.