There won’t be a triumphant “back to normal” as we knew it.

We’re learning how to cope with and adapt to the new normal and as expected, it’s accompanied with severe growing pains. Only a handful of us were alive during the last global pandemic so there’s no playbook on how to adjust.
Face masks, hand sanitizing, six feet apart, limited numbers of private/public gatherings, isolation and other behavioural changes have all contributed to a tumultuous 2020.

We’re in the early phases of Wave 2 as of October 13th, when this article was published.
The hours will seem to grow shorter as the days go by this Autumn and Winter, so it’s crucial to find the best ways for you to get through this.
Some of us did well in Wave 1 and to help make Wave 2 a bit smoother, here are some pointers that can benefit some of you.
We’re all in the same ocean but in different boats.

Analyze what’s worked well
Whether it’s taking a break from your phone, picking up a new hobby, communicating more with family and friends or simply getting more rest, look back on what worked well for you during Wave 1.
Carry those positive habits forward as the calendar marches forward.
Additionally, build upon those and create new habits that will help as the seasons change.

Update your emergency contact list
Kinda sounds morbid however everyone is at risk so be proactive and update your emergency contact list in hopes that you never have to use it through this pandemic.

Responsibly stock up on supplies
From hand sanitizer to disposable masks (or picking up a few more reusable ones) to non-perishable food items, slowly, slowly, slowly stock up.  Bulk panic buying disrupts the supply chain, it can create nervousness in others (imagine seeing someone buying 100 bottles of ketchup and starting to wonder if they know something you don’t) and it’s absolutely unnecessary.
Do it in stages and only buy extras of what you need opposed to what you want.

Know the rules and laws
Whether you agree or disagree with them, the new COVID laws/rules should be followed. I’m not a cheerleader for the current provincial government but I do realize that the medical professionals that advise them have our best interests as a population. 
Things aren’t flowery and fun when there are constant rule breakers thinking they’re north of the rules.
If you’re unsure of what the rules are, read the point below.

Always be educated
Read/watch the news. Then do the same from a different outlet. Then another. And another.
Connect with you Ward Councilor, member of parliament, the City of Mississauga, and so on.
Verify your information before sharing it. If something sounds too good to be true or outlandish, it’s probably bathed in misinformation.

Don’t judge others
Not everyone is the same and unless you have the superpower to read minds, there’s never a reason where judging others should be entertained.
Sure, their actions may not align with yours and if they don’t, walk away.
We’re still new to this, despite stumbling through Wave 1 so please, please, please be patient with others.

Take stock of your finances
From examining if your monthly bills and service charges can be reduced, give your finances a thorough once-over and make any adjustments necessary.
An emergency fund, regardless of amount, is something that can help either you or someone you love.
If you can cut expenses temporarily, explore that option.

Keep wearing your mask
I said what I said.

Be conscious of your screen time
Almost all of us have experienced the influx of video calls, online work/education and what used to be a way to wind down at the end of the day has transformed into our entire day.
Using your smartphone as a telephone, reading, walking, or any other non-screen related hobby/activity is something that should be explored.

Do your errands on “slower” days
If you already do this, (I do) that’s great. If not, see if there’s a way to do some of your errands on Monday’s/Tuesday’s to avoid the volume of people on weekends at retail spots.
Or order online and have items brought to you.

Make a list of small, local businesses you’d like to support
I realize not all of us can support every small, local business in our community at the same time.
Consider creating a list of 20 businesses you’d like to support over the next few months of varying verticals and support them once a week if possible.
With the holidays upcoming, get a head start of your shopping and help all of our small businesses survive this.

Be transparent say no to gatherings if you’re not comfortable
It’s absolutely acceptable to say no if you’re not comfortable, scared, tired or have no interest.
There’s pressure to get out of the house more than ever but if you’re not 100% on board, then don’t go. Clearly explain why and if they don’t understand your reluctance, then there’s a bigger problem at hand.

Get your car winter ready
For the drivers out there, having your car sit for a few months in warm months isn’t all bad. Having it sit through frigid temperatures isn’t ideal.
Connect with your dealership or mechanic and have them put your winter tires on and give your car a tune up/inspection so it’s ready for winter’s wrath.

Check in on friends and family
Captain obvious says check in on your friends and family because it’s easy to be overwhelmed with everything happening within your walls that you’d be easily forgiven if you didn’t always check in/on others.  For me, I phone family/friends opposed to a text to regain that human connection.

Get plenty of rest
Mental, physical and emotional fatigue is draining on all of us. It can affect our relationships and careers and at times, creep up quickly before it can be quelled.
If you can hit the hay 30 minutes earlier, stop looking at your phone a few (or many) minutes before falling asleep and wait for 15 minutes after waking up to look at your phone, it can increase your quality of rest.
If you’re overly tired each morning and night, the lack of rest will quickly catch up with you and risk having a negative impact on yourself and those around you.