Everyone talks about the “new normal” these days of Corona times. “New-normal” refers to the significant change of a situation that has emerged recently. So, the new-normal post 9-11, was extra security at airports, and fear of impending terrorism. Similarly, he new-normal after the COVID-19 pandemic is the ubiquitous wearing of masks, social distancing, and frequent hand-washing.

But, I believe the new-normal is far deeper than new behaviors permeate our lives. New-normal is a new way of thinking, feeling, and acting. The New-Normal can be seen as the acronym FED-UP:

Frustrated, Erratic, Doubting, Unsure, Perplexed

For example, the new-normal is: (not in any particular order)

1. Doubting ourselves. Are we doing the right thing? Are we being careful enough? Is it okay that we had that small family gathering last night?
2. Perplexed (confused) by conflicting reports by different political groups and doctors: Whom do we believe? Do we listen to those who say that it’s dangerous not to wear a mask? Or do we believe those who say masks don’t help and it’s not what protects us? Do we believe those who tout certain medicines and show proof of those who were cured by them? Or do we follow those who say those medicines are dangerous and don’t work?
3. Frustrated by conflicting reports from the same doctors: How do we keep up with the constant changing of policy. First the experts the virus is not airborne. Then, we hear from the same experts that it is airborne. Or first we hear that the antibodies last for several months in one’s body after infection? Later we hear that they don’t last? And then that they do. And then that they don’t.
4. Unsure (Insecure) about our future. How do we plan for anything beyond the next day? That wedding that is coming up – do we plan to go or not? Do we know what will happen to us or our loved ones? Do we know whether there will be a second or third wave of the virus? Do we know how the economy will be? Can we be sure of anything?
5. Erratic feelings. Why am I happy one day, and then sad the next day? Why am I bored one day and then busy the next day? Why are there so many changes in my feelings from day to day or week to week?

What are some “new-normal” feelings you are having these days?

In the next post, I will share some ways to alleviate some of the above feelings, and help regulate our emotions better during this time of “New-normal.”

Photo Credit; Sarah Kilian on Unsplash