6 Tips for Navigating the “New Norm”

2020 has been one heck of a year so far. With so many uncertainties regarding COVID19 and the state of the world, there’s a lot of anxiety right now. What will my life look like a week, a month or a year from now? And the question everyone is asking: will things go back to the way they once were?

I surely don’t have the answers. There’s likely going to be a lot of “testing of the waters,” so to speak. How do we navigate our new reality with intentionality, rather than passivity?

I’ve compiled six tips for navigating the “new norm” that will hopefully help you feel more empowered and add a spark of fun to your routine.

1. Expect you’ll need to slow down considerably 

As travel restrictions start to loosen and stores reopen, expect you’ll need to go slower. We get frustrated when things don’t go as expected. What used to be a 15 min trip to the post office, for example, may take double the time. Know that in advance and assume it may even take longer.

2. Plan ahead of time

What can you do to prepare for this? Download audiobooks or podcasts (Modern Love is great!) on your phone so you can listen in line, whether it’s outside the grocery store or at a drive-thru. Have you always wanted to learn a new language? Maybe download a language app (I recommend Pimsler). If that’s not your thing, maybe spend some time to create an intentional playlist on Spotify. Some people have created COVID19 playlists, but you can come up with your own theme! Maybe share with friends?

3. Prepare your travel kit

Longer lines can mean unexpected delays. Make sure you carry power bars or snacks with you (in your bag, car, etc.) so you don’t become a victim of hangry-ness! I mean this in all seriousness. You’ll be much better equipped to deal with stressful situations if you aren’t dealing with a stomach throwing a tantrum. 

Here are some local Portland snacks you can order:

Jacobson Caramels - I’m not a real caramel person, but Jacobson’s caramels are pretty incredible. Each one is individually wrapped, so you can easily carry a handful in your bag or pocket.

Alma Chocolate Bars - Beautifully crafted, ethically sourced chocolate.

Albina Nuts Savory Nut Mix - A combination of lightly roasted almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts, toasted corn, pumpkin seeds and chickpeas seasoned with a zesty turmeric, chili powder and salt. 

4. Lift the Mood

Maybe carry around a nice smelling essential oil you can sniff or apply to your mask, or apply your favorite chapstick while waiting on line. It may sound silly, but I feel it can make a big difference in lifting your mood. I carry around a natural hand sanitizer spray that I love to spritz for the scent. It lifts my mood and makes disinfecting fun. :) Yeah! Pamper yourself. 

Here are some great products sold by local Portland-based businesses that may become a part of your COVID-19 self-care travel kit:

Hue Noir Hand Sanitizer - Instead of buying name-brand sanitizers, why not support a small business? Hue Noir also happens to be a Black-owned business, so even more the reason to support.

Aromatic Body Refresher Spray - Made from the finest essential oils in citron, neroli and sitka scents.

Portland Bee Balm - Lip balm made with Pacific Northwest beeswax, supporting urban bees and their farmers.

5. Improve your environment

Chances are that many people around you are feeling anxious as well. Consciously deciding to do one act of kindness can help lift your mood, as well as that of others around you. It could simply be deciding to thank the person packing your groceries, or allowing someone to go ahead of you in line, holding the door open for someone, or giving a generous tip to the person preparing your coffee. Someone once shared with me that they made a point of thanking 25 people each day! Wow. That doesn’t have to be your goal, of course. What feels like a good challenge for you?

6. Support local businesses

Local businesses are hurting right now. In particular, I feel it’s crucial to rally behind Black entrepreneurs. Here is a list of some amazing Black-owned businesses in Portland. 

Purchasing gift certificates is a great way to support. Sending a gift basket to a friend, coworker or family member to remind them they are loved is another fantastic way of supporting local business and your community of loved ones. With Love, From PDX is a Black-owned business in Portland offering an assortment of such items (they even have a gift basket for pups!). Definitely check them out.

I leave you with this quote by Maya Angelou:

“During bad circumstances, which is the human inheritance, you must decide not to be reduced. You have your humanity, and you must not allow anything to reduce that. We are obliged to know we are global citizens. Disasters remind us we are world citizens, whether we like it or not.”