The Road Well Traveled

by: Alicia Busick
Date: 8-25-2021 Time: Way Past My Bedtime

Howdy,

It’s been awhile. How’s life? Good? I hope so. Still working off the Quarantine 15? Yeah, I think some of us got the Dark Ages 40 but you know, the last year and a half is now an opportunity for huge reflection and opportunity.

Believe it or not, we’ve been down this road before. Quarantining? Not so much but we’ve all had moments where we shut in and shut off. As soon as the day is done, doors locked, food in our bellies, many folks tune in and tune out. Whether it be your mobile device, the tele or computer, we all just want to forget the stress of the world and escape.

But what’s the similarity with quarantining and down time? Vegetative state. The difference now? The lines were blurred. We set out to help out by isolating, those who could stay (thank you everyone who continued to punch-in), and the cues that enabled movement, visual/auditory/neurological stimulation became stuck in an endless loop.

Down time is our reward for a long day. It resets and winds us down so the body can decompress/defrag and start anew.

The road well traveled of down time was familiar territory. So what happened? Our circadian rhythms got upended. Our normal routine was detoured and sent off a cliff. Normal prep time of getting up early for work, getting children ready, etc turned into a sleep torpor fest. [Torpor – Not quiet hibernating but it’s what bears actually do]

With spring, many regained some normalcy. Outings, traveling, camp for kids, returning to the office. It’s been nice. But now… as school returns to gather biomasses of possibilities and the cold creeps back to our foggy windshields, what does the future hold? Stop it Alicia, you're scaring them. No, no friends I’m not. We need to remember. Remember what 2020 was like. And do this different.

Dear America et all,

Yes, you have vaccines and masks and choice. What does all that mean? Well, it means a whole lot of people are going to be really cautious and a decent amount of people are going to do the opposite and in the middle are all of us. Based on current case rates and historical epidemiological annual charts, we’re on a path to endure more lockdowns. By the end of October the charts will skyrocket. Boo! Hiss!

Should we all freak out now? No, I have a shred of faith in humanity and our ability to endure. Dangit America, you’ve been through so much. All of us have. And I mean ALL OF US. We’re still here. And what’s important is that yes, people still care. We cannot lose hope now. We cannot let our sacrifices be all for naught.

So what can we do to prepare?

Step 1: Take a deep breath. We’ve got this. A lot of people are fighting and still have your back.

Step 2: Small, cautious and thoughtful planning of purchases, budgeting and food storage. A little can go a long way. Shop somewhere different. Don’t go crazy with coupons but make wise decisions with purchases. Canned items, Costco memberships, the little things can help.

Step 3: Get serious about your health. That Quarantine 15? Seriously, take a chance and get healthy. It doesn’t take much to start making healthy snack choices. Like potato chips? Try sliced celery and carrots. Got the munchies? Drink a glass of water. Need a standing desk? Buy a cheap art tray at Michael’s or get wild and make one. Keep those legs moving! Just pacing in place can help with circulation and add overall health benefits.

“Walking in place is just as effective as walking on the track. The key to weight loss while walking is raising your heart rate to 50 to 70 percent of your maximum heart rate exercising at a moderately intense speed, notes Mayo Clinic.”

I think of it like this: if astronauts in space can be stuck in an orbiting fart can and still have muscle mass, you can too!

Step 4: Find your outdoor Zen space. It’s so important to get outside. Sunshine (even if it’s liquid) enables the body’s ability to create Vitamin D. So what? Vitamin D is what aides your body to digest and break down calcium. You know, the stuff in your bones that also helps to make red blood cells? Yeah, you need that. Fresh air? Super critical. Air circulating in enclosed spaces substantially holds less oxygen. Even opening a window and keeping a small houseplant nearby can aid the body’s ability to keep oxygen rich blood pumping to your noggin. Feeling sleepy? Don’t go for the 3rd cup of coffee. Take a step outside. 🌿💐🌳

“Step outside. You don’t need a daily 6-mile hike with your family to improve your health. “We have studies showing that even 20 minutes in nature reduces cortisol, which can help with eating habits,”’

Step 5: Find someone to hug. Don’t get all hippy on me. But yes, even a fluffy friend. Hugs can reduce stress, release positive chemicals to the brain and remind us humans can be good. Low on huggies? Need someone to talk to? Call Tel. 1-800-662-4357 24/7 365. An awesome hotline to help. It’s important for humans to know we’re not alone. And it’s okay to ask for help. Always. And there are good humans who care. Need some prayer? This is a great list of prayer hotlines. He’s got your back.

Step 6: Keep moving forward. Each day is a new day. And with it new challenges. Don’t overwhelm yourself with news if it’s just going to add onto stress. Small steps moving forward can equal great distances. You got this. 💕

Step 7: Be kind. We’re all fighting some crazy internal battle. Let’s give some grace, I’m looking at you, commuters. I did not like quarantine but the lack of sirens and car accidents was encouraging. Let’s not bring that back, k?

Just remember, if you’re reading this, we’ve been down this road before. It’s just a matter of watching the road signs and not veering too close to the edge. Stay safe, friends. Peace.