Be Well
“It’s a brave new world we’re headed for, no doubt about that. We must try to meet it with as much grace as we can muster.”
– Robert, Earl of Grantham, Downton Abbey, c. 1920s
If you are a devoted Downton Abbey fan as I have been over the years, you can probably just about hear fictional Robert utter these words as his finely-ordered British world, and his family, is changing around him. All of the family members in this saga of Britain in the early part of the 20th century were struggling with change which included “The Great War” – World War I, the invention of aircraft and the automobile, women’s suffrage, and rapid changes in the economy. And we cannot forget the deadly flu pandemic which swept the world at that time.
Having never lived the “manor life” I cannot personally vouch for how the landed gentry families dealt with those changes, which included their own family traumas from loss and the various things that most families must face from time to time.
Moving forward almost 100 years from that statement by the Earl in the popular PBS series, I don’t have to reiterate the many dilemmas this country and our world have faced, particularly this year of 2020. The pandemic has, for everyone, changed our lives for a long time to come. I hope that you and yours are healthy and safe but our habits, our concerns, and the way in which we interact with others has changed.
Back to my quote above, we may wonder how we “meet it with as much grace as we can muster.” All around us we are wondering what is next – a new wave of the virus, perhaps? It is the unknown, so all we can do as try to manage and supervise our own health and well-being and that of our families if your children are still living at home.
The only way I know to do this is to keep my own home clean, eat well, take my vitamins and supplements, stay away from crowds, use plenty of soap and sanitizer, wear a mask when appropriate, and exercise regularly. Yes, I have indulged in some goodies that I usually resist, I admit that. However, exercising, whether that is walking, riding your bicycle, working out with YouTube, lifting weights, jumping rope, whatever works out for your lifestyle please make some exercise part of your daily routine. The endorphins that are produced are very important for your mental and emotional health.
Our world is facing not only a pandemic but unfortunately a very confusing and frightening time by minority oppression and fear and exacerbated by those who have turned rightful and lawful protest into behavior which only hurts the cause of all humans and the human spirit.
Watch the news from time to time, but also entertain yourself with uplifting movies, books and positive interaction with others on social media sites while limiting yourself and staying true to your values. By taking care of yourself you will contribute to our society which has been not only ravaged by the coronavirus but also by diabetes, heart disease, obesity and various other ailments many of which can be prevented or better managed.
This is a great time to get outside for fresh air and exercise, grow your own vegetables and herbs, and enjoy chatting with the neighbors while social distancing! Take care, everyone and be well!
Sharon McMahon, CNWC
The opinions expressed in this article are not intended to replace advice of your personal physician or licensed health professional. Please consult your physician for any issues you may have related to nutrition or fitness activity.