New Normal
Over the past year I’m sure we've all been wondering when things will return to normal, when this pandemic will end, or, if you're in Ontario like me, what we'll do between lockdowns three and four. I believe it’s becoming increasingly clear that, regardless of when the pandemic is best under control, we will not return to “normal.” We will be entering a “new normal” in which masks will be a part of everyday life and disinfectant will be a hot ticket item. I’ve been planning for the new normal, just like everyone else, but I’m also focusing on new aspects of my journey with MS.
My family spends a lot of our summer weekends and vacations at the cottage, which used to include packing a bag and heading out to our favourite spot in the world. My personal “new normal” is looking a little different these days. I begin by packing my pills (Aubagio is the medication I take once a day before bed to help manage my symptoms), I also need to remember to bring my vitamin B and vitamin D supplements, which are both important for my current health. Once I have those things packed and ready, I focus on the items that I’m realizing I need on a daily basis, such as my Whoop battery which allows me to track my sleep, recovery, and strain levels, my Theragun to prepare my body for the day and to also to help with strain recovery before bed, a tens machine to help with a shoulder injury, and finally yoga mat & blocks for daily stretching.
All of these things have become a part of my daily life in an attempt to maintain my health. It allows me to feel like my “normal” self and I’m having to do each of these things on a daily basis. If I am being honest, I don’t love the fact that instead of putting everything I need in a small overnight bag, I look like I’m moving in whenever I leave my house for a few days.
The most interesting part of my new normal is that although it is more challenging and the consequences are far more serious, it is also leading me to a place where my wellbeing is a priority, which it has never been before. I would never have put my health first before, and it was no big deal if I forgot to bring my vitamins. Before, I would never have taken the time to stretch my body every morning. For the first time in my life, I am prioritizing my health above anything else.
As we all reach the next stage of our "new normal," it's important to note that it isn’t just about wearing our masks, but about prioritizing our health overall!
- Jesse