Disaster Recovery & Business Continuity

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The New Normal

By Donna Payne posted 03-19-2020 08:27

  

Since the first-known U.S. case of Covid-19 was discovered in Washington State on January 21st, 2020, normal here has ceased to exist. My children have been participating in distance learning for three weeks; and like the rest of the world, our lives and business have been disrupted. Some things may return to normalcy, while other have changed forever.

Coping with Disruption

Here are a few tips to finding your new normal that I’ve found helpful in the past few weeks:

  1. Find consistency and try to follow routines. One thing that has worked for me is to establish a routine. Wake up, coffee, shower, dress as if going to the office, etc. We have little control over our circumstance so finding things you are within your control can be comforting.
  2. Disconnect and unplug – Part of my new normal is to force myself to go outside and walk twice a day. Try to walk in silence and note interesting or beautiful things around you.
  3. Community- Plan a virtual coffee with colleagues or friends. Discuss tips and tricks for coping or just to check in. It’s important to stay connected. I’ve attended daily online meditations which has helped foster a sense of community while being isolated at home.

 What New Normal Might Look Like

Returning to some resemblance of normalcy is imperative for the legal industry and for the global economy. However, our world has forever been changed and the fear and caution will not be forgotten.

Social distancing will continue. It’s unfathomable to think of ever again shaking hands or sharing hugs at events such as ILTACON. We must find new ways to acknowledge others without sacrificing connection. I foresee less elective travel and more focus on family and self-care. More focus on what is most important in our lives.

Of our new normal, hopefully we will show gratitude to those who have helped us through this pandemic. From grocery workers, to postal carriers, first responders, and medical professionals. For now, let’s practice humanity. After all, we are in this together.


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03-19-2020 13:45

Thank you for your post, Donna.  Some wise advice from someone who has been involved in this pandemic from the beginning.  Take care.

Geoff Rhodes