For the Defense - Vol. 5, Issue 2 - 12

part of our lives for some time. What was normal just
a couple months ago, may not be seen again for a
year or more. The pandemic has required behavioral
accommodations across the world and our varied
cultures and traditions. Out of self-preservation,
a pretty strong reinforcer across species, we have
complied. Despite cultural differences and established
customs, we have modified how we do business both
professionally and personally. This adaptability and
flexibility are signs of our individual and cultural
health and strength. It supports our survival and
accommodation of other changes that we will have
to endure and embrace as we continue in this tide of
change establishing a new normal.
In the near distant future, we will likely be moving
into yet another change which will not deliver us
back to what was "business as usual," but rather a
new normal.
We humans are creatures of habit, particularly
when the habit is pleasurable, or accompanied by
other desirable reinforcement, or enables us to
avoid unpleasant circumstances. Change is hard.
Confronting the unknown and managing fear in
social isolation can be overwhelming. Certainly,
our current situation would qualify as such a time
of uncertainty and change. It can be minimally
disconcerting and, for some, overwhelmingly anxiety
provoking. Actions, particularly those thought to
be meaningful, tend to help reduce angst. So, let
us turn our attention to organizing resources and
planning our upcoming transition. The great news
about having a plan is that even if (or when) you get
thrown the proverbial curve ball, you can amend the
plan.
One thing is certain, this upcoming change in
returning to offices and court, will not bring us back
to our old lives and practices. What is ahead of us is
new. As working from home has become our routine
for the past month or so, these new practices will
become a bridge to the next major change. Staying
in the house, save shopping (for many of us), has
allowed us some sense of safety. As we prepare to
move to our future "new normal" of at least partial
integration into activities with and around others, we
must not only consider how we protect ourselves, but
we must also create safety for our clients and others
with whom we interact professionally.
What once was the job of public health and
medical professionals, infection control is now a
responsibility we all share. It requires us to rethink
the very basics of our professional and personal lives
so that, even once the stay at home order is lifted, we
maintain social distancing, and create environments
in which all will experience some sense of safety.
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For The Defense l Vol. 5, Issue 2

What follows are some suggestions for you to
consider in approaching the new normal.
1. While you are still working remotely - prepare
personally:
a. Build some practices for reducing anxiety
and stress - breathing exercises, stretching,
yoga, mindfulness, meditation, exercise.
There are many online apps to assist.
b. Reach out to colleagues and friends virtually
for social support and collaborating on
strategies for stress reduction and health
improvement. Also, connect virtually for
shared exercise, yoga, or other relaxation
exercises or practices.
c.	 Put some effort into strengthening your
health and immunity. Add a daily walk to
your itinerary. Work with others at home to
build a healthier diet. Create and maintain
good sleep hygiene.
2.	While still working remotely - prepare
professionally:
a.	Consider how to integrate the virtual
practice you have established into your
office-based practice. Many people are
worried about traveling out of the home for
services, given their individual risk factors.
b.	Note the availability of videoconferencing
consultation on your website.
c.	 Even after you return to the office, clients
and others may still be frightened to come
into the office and maintaining the virtual
consultation will provide greater flexibility
and afford additional safety.
d.	Consider other virtual opportunities to
create alternatives for clients to access you
in a safe manner.
3.	Common prior routines will now change -
spend some time proactively assessing and
modifying them.
a.	Consider your old routines and develop new
strategies which allows for social distancing
and other strategies to minimize exposure
to infection.
b.	Establish and maintain social connectedness
with peers, family, and colleagues. We are
social creatures and require at least some
connectedness. Safety in social connections
is key. Certainly, virtual connections will
remain safer than in person contact. When
engaging in personal contacts do maintain
social distancing.
c.	 Think about what you did before the
change, your routines and what it provided
for you. Then consider how you can
get those needs met through practices
consistent with social distancing and the
new normal.
For the Defense - Vol. 5, Issue 2

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of For the Defense - Vol. 5, Issue 2
