The New Normal

It’s been about a month since California Governor, Gavin Newsom issued the Stay at Home Order. I can’t speak for others, but it already feels like more than a month has passed by. At this point, I can relate to all who are getting a bit antsy at home and itching to go out and seek normalcy through socialization.

As measures to stay home begin to tighten, so does our need to blow off some steam. You would think that being quarantined at home all day would motivate us to finally organize our photos, clean out our closet, or even find ways to be more creative. If you haven’t been struck by this newfound motivation, don’t worry, you’re not alone. I personally thought I would have already finished my spring-cleaning by now.

While we remain in these unusual circumstances, staying cooped up may be a challenge. Many of us are eager to rush back to our pre-COVID lives, but this is a great time to reflect on what it is about our old routines or habits that we’re missing. Are there bad habits that you’ve been given an opportunity to re-form during this time? Or are there healthy habits you let go of, as you transitioned to a more isolated lifestyle? On the flip side, are there any new customs you’ve adopted that you want to continue once the orders are lifted? Here are some of the new things I’ve picked up.

Cooking: I’m not a huge fan of cooking (I’m a baking type of gal), especially when I get home from work. I’m all about take-out and anything I can pop in the microwave for a few minutes that’s ready to eat. But I will say, I have definitely grown an interest in cooking now that going out to eat is a no-go. When it’s my turn to cook, my go-to app to look for fun recipes to follow is Tasty! I never liked looking up written directions online on how to cook a meal. The Tasty app is perfect for me because it shows you step-by-step on how to cook the perfect meal. Each step is recorded in a loop video until you’re ready to swipe right for the next step. I just copy the video and before I know it, viola! I’ve prepared a meal I never imagined I could! Let’s just hope I can keep this up!

Meditation: I feel like meditating is underestimated or misunderstood by many. I used to meditate every night before going to bed with my Headspace app when I was in college. Unfortunately, I quickly fell out of that habit and I’m working to add it back to my life. Meditation can help reduce stress, control anxiety, improve sleep, and enhance self-awareness. There are other apps available like Ten Percent Happier, which offers a free “Coronavirus Sanity Guide.” Please note these apps require a paid subscription to access its full resources but offer free trial periods/limited free sessions.

New hobby: I’ve never been much of a book reader, but this is definitely something I’d like to stick around! If reading is not your thing either, many people stimulate their minds by doing puzzles. If solving puzzles is not your ideal sit-down activity, coloring or painting could be options. There are various creative activities that can easily be done at home. Knitting, calligraphy (I personally would love to try), taking an online class or learning a new language, are just a handful of many creative options you can do in the comfort of your own home. It may surprise you how easily you’ll get lost in these activities.

Communication: Although we are isolated from our loved ones and friends, we live in a generation where technology allows us to virtually be there for one another. This is the time where your family and friends expect you to be on your phone in constant communication with them. I can’t tell you how much my mom and I FaceTime or how much my brother and I actually talk on a weekly basis since the lockdown. Whether it’s through FaceTime, Google Hangouts or Zoom, remember to stay connected with your family and friends. You are NOT alone. Plan virtual hangouts, check up on your loved ones, and if social media is one of your main outlets of communication, use your platform to spread positivity through this trying time. Remember, we’re all in this together.

Exercise: I love to workout. A good cardio workout is my daily stress reliever. Others prefer to do it in the morning, but I personally like to end my night with breaking a sweat. It makes me feel like I released all my built-up stress from the day. This helps me end the night stress-free and wake up revitalized and rejuvenated with no excessive tension or anxiety from the day before. I know other people’s daily workouts include going to the gym, or taking a workout class. As we continue to practice social distancing, there are still many options to get our bodies moving. Take a 30-minute daily walk, play fetch with your dog in the backyard, set time aside to do some yoga, anything that gets your heart pumping will do. Did you know there’s a whole world of online exercise videos on YouTube? From boxing, HIIT workouts, yoga, or Pilates, there are all kinds of free exercise videos out there. The Nike Training Club app also has great videos, and if you’re an Amazon Prime subscriber, you have access to their workout library. Take your pick. Try something new!

Just because the order is temporary, doesn’t mean these new healthy habits have to be. Like the old saying goes, “old habits die hard.” Given our current circumstance, hopefully, old habits die faster and new habits form smoother. Not as sweet to the ear, but definitely something to consider and act on.

Nicole Laforteza
Member Services Coordinator
American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc.
9444 Balboa Avenue, Suite 300
San Diego, California 92123
Phone: (858) 453-2128
www.aaepa.com