“Time is an illusion that passes way too fast”.
(Ana Claudia Antunes)
Lexico.com defines a new normal as a previously unfamiliar or atypical situation that has become standard, usual or expected.
Urban Dictionary identifies a new normal as the current state of being after some drastic change has transpired.
The COVID-19 pandemic fits regardless which of the two definitions you associate with the term new normal. Forgive me for using Urban Dictionary for such a serious problem but the definition used is spot on to what most of us are experiencing right now. I won’t get into politics, medicine or debate treatments but will use this platform to discuss things I view as the new normal for me with this crisis.
Home gym
I have always maintained a small home gym regardless of where I live. The concept of working out and staying active at home has always been a part of my workout routine. The home gym is an easy place to get a workout in when I don’t feel like driving to the gym or the weather is bad. My most elaborate piece of equipment was the heavy bag I had to practice throwing punches. It was a great way to burn calories and release workday stress at the same time.
Got rid of the heavy bag prior to moving to Tallahassee but have maintained kettle bells, dumbbells, resistance bands, BOSU and 75cm exercise balls. Happy to say I’m getting a lot of use out of these tools since I decided to stop going to the gym. The gym staff did a tremendous job wiping things down at the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak in the states but decided to stop going prior to gyms being closed by government order. Couldn’t justify being there knowing EVERY piece of equipment is touched by so many people. This was not a revelation, but the point is magnified by how the COVID-19 gets transmitted.
My home gym gives me the capability to maintain my fitness levels and get creative with my workouts. Still finding additional exercises to utilize on the BOSU ball and with my resistance bands. Hope to add a few more pieces to my home gym to help stay fit during this time period.
Yoga
Dusted off a few of my yoga DVDs so I can continue to stretch to maintain good posture. Try to get in weekly yoga sessions but increased to three times weekly. Yoga emphasizes proper breathing techniques, and this helps maintain a calm mind and body while practicing physical distancing. I realize everyone is using the term social distancing but to me social distancing is what I do when I PURGE a contact in my phone. Trying to rotate my yoga DVD instructors to ensure I stay balanced during this time.
Runs
My normal routine got me out for runs three times each week with a long run on the weekends. I’ve increased my running program to get me out for runs five times weekly—some of these are shorter just to get me out and active. Can’t do gym cardio for the time being, need to ensure I’m burning calories so I can continue to eat like I want. 😊
My neighborhood has a pedestrian bridge I utilize to run up stairs and then sprint down the ramp. This is a new version of cardio I can get done to keep my outdoor exercise program fresh. Increased this routine to incorporate 27 sets (steps and sprints) to burn calories without a gym.
Added more walks to my routine as well. This keeps me moving without as much wear and tear on my joints the running program adds. My walking goal is to just enjoy being outside and take in nature.
The Rock n Roll marathon series 2020 Nashville half marathon has been postponed until further notice. Hoping they will reschedule the Nashville races for the fall if it’s safe enough for people to be that close again. If not, the registration will roll over to 2021 and will get up there then. I still plan to run the half marathon distance on 4/25/2020 but won’t have a crowd to cheer me on. No worries, running is the perfect sport to practice physical distancing. 😊
No coffee shops
So far, my biggest adjustment has been working/writing from home instead of my favorite spot at Lucky Goat. Didn’t realize how many distractions I had at home until I was forced to stay in more. The remote control and ability to search for TV programs was almost my downfall.
Finally had to discipline myself to set-up just like I was at Lucky Goat (laptop, headphones only) for the time period I wanted to research, write and network. Things went a lot better once I got my disciplined approach again. Miss Lucky Goat but this is a small sacrifice right now.
Extra cleaning
Believe we all are doing more cleaning, wiping and disinfecting with this new normal. Seems to be the best way combined with physical distancing to control the spread of the virus. I’m super conscience of everything I touch or may touch now and ensure to keep my hands to myself. Not as quick to touch doorknobs or handles when/if I’m out and about now. Better to be safe in these times.
Keynotes and Consulting
My new normal in this category is nonexistent. Organizations are protecting their staff members by implementing work from home protocols. I’m still networking with organizations and decision makers but don’t see the keynote/consulting opportunities coming back for a few months. No worries, more time for research, writing and running.
Moving forward
These are things I think of when talking about a new normal. Hopefully, this period will pass soon, and we can get back to the old normal and not have to avoid each other. Until then, stay safe and continue to practice physical distancing!
What are your new norms? How has the transition impacted you?
“Transitions in life can offer opportunities for discovery”.
(Robbie Shell)
Walk Into the Future 