The last of the COVID restrictions are ending but life hasn’t returned to “NORMAL.” Or did it? What is “NORMAL?” Who decides what “NORMAL” looks like? Experiences change us; sometimes for the better, sometimes not. I haven’t met anyone who wasn’t impacted in some way either by COVID itself or the restrictions that were created. I have worked with parents who were overwhelmed with the added responsibilities of their children attending school from home, students who were not able to effectively manage the transition to school on zoom, and people who experienced Long COVID which negatively impacted both their cognitive and physical health. As time continues to pass, more studies are reporting the increased anxiety in children and adults, lapses in learning and the financial impact people experienced. All of these will require time, attention, and effort to remediate. And sometimes help. Our brains are not light switches where we can simply flip them on and off. We need to develop strategies, routines and habits to change behaviors and fill in the gaps that have been created over the past three years. It’s important not to become frustrated, to recognize that positive change is possible and that YOU have the ability to make that change. The following are a few suggestions to get you and your family started.
- Identify specific areas you feel need change and prioritize them. Identify the first step in working towards that goal and pair that behavior with something you already do. For example-if you recognize your physical endurance was reduced, you can plan on walking around the block after you feed your pet. The idea is to pair the goal activity with something that is already a part of your daily routine. This technique was developed by BJ Fogg Ph.D.
- Develop healthy routines as a family. Reduce overall sugar intake, eat a balanced diet rich with Omega 3 fatty acids and high in antioxidants. Watch a cooking show or find new recipes to try and spend time cooking together.
- Increase social time and get outside. Enjoy a walk in the park or on the beach. Our brains are wired to connect to nature. Time in nature has been found to “fire up the brain” and release endorphins. Give yourself time to connect with all your senses. Listen to the birds, smell the flowers, put your feet in the sand.
- Identify “time to learn” with your children each week. New learning creates new neural pathways. Show your children that learning is lifelong and help them identify strategies that work for them. Give them the opportunity to “teach” you as that will re-reinforce their understanding and memory for the information. These opportunities can help to close the gaps created by COVID.
- Implement a mindfulness program. Choose one that you can complete daily and encourage everyone in your home to participate. Mindfulness practice can help to reduce stress and negative interactions; that is something from which everyone in your home will benefit.
If you would like more information about how to create your COVID Recovery Plan or additional information on Brain Health and cognition, please contact me on my website Thecognitivecoach.net or call me at 732-977-7381.
