A Writer's Words - Coping With the New Normal

Hocus Pocus and All That

Maureen L. Bonatch

Coping With the New Normal

I love to read. Some of my favorite genres are fantasy, paranormal and horror. One of my all-time favorite books is The Stand, by Stephen King. In fact, it’s one of the only books I’ve ever read twice—although that’s because he released a version with additional scenes years after the initial release. Otherwise, my TBR list is usually far too long to have time to reread books, despite how much I might want to return to visit those characters. Usually I hope for a series if I want to get to know the characters better.

Not My Story

Lately I’ve felt a bit like I’ve woken up in one of the books that I love to read or write. Unfortunately, this ‘world’ isn’t one from Harry Potter or even Kim Harrison’s series. It feels a lot more like The Stand—a world with a weaponized strand of influenza—although so far I haven’t noticed any of the supernatural elements.

One of the reasons I, and probably many people, like to read stories that are different from our ordinary world is that we get to experience them without having to experience them in our reality. Because we get to be a different person. Maybe one who has a different personality, is a little bit more resilient, or braver than our everyday persona. Thus, as much as I enjoy the stories, I don’t want to live them in my reality.

Dealing with Change

I expect that this unexpected veer from our normal everyday will most likely leave many of us, and the world, changed. I’m hoping that some of the changes will be for the better in the long run such as appreciating time with family and friends more, and the value of everyday items and experiences that we’ve come to take for granted. Until that time, many of us are often feeling stress, or anxiety about uncertainties and unknown changes we may have to adapt to. Much of this is out of our control, but how we react to the situations is within our control and that often starts with self-care and nurturing our anxiety and stress. One of my stress relievers is, of course, reading.

Other Tips for reducing stress

Effective methods for reducing stress are individualized and can vary based on your personality and your interests. Here are a few suggestions, but most likely you have more to add to the list and know what works best for you.
o Exercise- get out and enjoy some fresh air.
o Revive an old hobby.
o Discover a new hobby.
o Listen to music.
o Go old school and write a letter or journal.
o Talk with friends and family through Skype, Zoom or another virtual platform.
o Take a hot bath or shower with some of your favorite soothing scents.
o Make time for yoga or mediation by pulling out those old videos, finding them online or on television, or on an app.
o Bake or cook a favorite meal.
o Crafting or going through old photographs.

© 2020 Maureen L. Bonatch All Rights Reserved
Maureen Bonatch grew up in small town Pennsylvania and her love of the four seasons—hockey, biking, sweat pants and hibernation—keeps her there. While immersed in writing or reading paranormal romance and fantasy, she survives on caffeine, wine, music, and laughter. A feisty Shih Tzu keeps her in line. http://www.maureenbonatch.com/