Anxiety and the Coronavirus

~ Lenore Diane ~ 4 Comments

The week of April 5, 2020.

Stay home. That’s the directive, and that has been the directive for almost a month. The coronavirus continues to change the ways of the world. It’s a life in limbo.

My family is staying home. My husband still has his job, and he is working from home. The boys still have school, with classes taking place online. And I am – well, I am home and unemployed. My pet-sitting/dog-walking business is closed until people are able to return to offices outside the house, take family vacations, embark on day trips, and/or have the need to hire a pet-sitter/dog-walker.

My husband and kids are doing fine. Their routine looks different, because it is being done at home – but they still have their routine. And while my anxiety seems to be thriving with all my idle time – I am not.

There was a time in my life when I would seek to escape the stressors of my day by getting in my car and going for a drive. Rarely did I have a destination in mind. Sometimes I would head straight for the interstate, so I could keep moving at a good clip and avoid traffic lights and stop signs. Other times, I would take the slower route found on back roads, encountering solace through the hills and bends.

During this pandemic, I’ve tried to ease my anxiety by getting in the car and driving around town, but I find that my anxiety level only increases, because I see way too many…

I see way too many people out on the roads. I see way too many full parking lots. And, I see way too many stores with way too many people going in and out of the doors. It doesn’t go unnoticed by me that I am one of those ‘way too many’ people I see. But, because you are always the exception to your annoyances, I know that I won’t be getting out of the car. I know that I won’t be going into any of the stores. I know that I am remaining isolated and socially distant, unlike those I see through my driver-side window.

::

Then there are the essential trips. My anxiety likes to accompany me on my essential trips, too.

Earlier this week, I took a letter to the post office, slipping in the slot of the drive up mailbox. No human contact. No metal contact. No contact of any kind. And from there I drove to my church to drop off an envelope. My plan was to leave the envelope leaning up against the sanctuary door. I contacted the church in advance, and they knew to look for the envelope.

When I arrived, the door was open, so I pulled up to the door, got out of my car, and walked into the narthex, and placed the envelope on the first table I noticed. As I was placing the envelope on the table, someone came out of the sanctuary and into the narthex. She was a friend, she was part of the church staff, and I have known her for years, but that didn’t matter at that moment.

My heart rate increased, and I started to step back. I felt like turning around and running away. I didn’t want to interact with anyone, and I didn’t want to risk getting sick or making someone else sick. I could feel my body shift into panic mode, and my anxiety was taking the wheel.

She greeted me with a big smile and a welcoming “hello”. I smiled, returned an awkward “hello”, and started to back away slowly, like one might back away from an aggressive dog or some other perceived threat. She didn’t rush me – she didn’t push boundaries – and any anxiety she may have been feeling at that time was far better masked than mine.

When I returned to my car, I exhaled and sat there motionless for a minute. A wave of sadness overcame me. The anxiety that was walking with me into the narthex had moved on and left me feeling silly and rude. Social distancing is a real thing – and it is something we should all practice. Still, I wish I could practice it with a little less anxiety.

As I started to drive away, my sadness grew. I pulled over in the parking lot and sent a text to my friend. “Hey [friend]. Love you bunches. I apologize for being short just a few minutes ago. Anxiety reigns when I am away from home. It’s hard to hide. Bu know that my heart was very happy to see you.”

Later that day she replied, “I totally get it. Really glad to see your face!!”

She got it. And, she got it – because I’m not the only one walking – er – driving around in this pandemic feeling anxious. I’m not the only one missing the faces of friends and family. I’m not the only one missing a friendly greeting that leads to a hug, when you see someone you love. This is a wicked tough journey we are all experiencing together. And isn’t it ironic that we are in this together, but we are having to remain separated?

::

At the end of this week, I received a surprising request from one of my dog clients. She asked me if I would be interested in taking her dog for a walk. That was surprising, because I generally just visit with her dog. She lives close to a busy main road, and it’s not ideal for walking – with or without a dog. However, the traffic has dropped significantly, giving her pup a chance to explore beyond her fenced backyard.

I live less than 2 miles from this client’s house, so my husband and I planned to ‘pick up’ and ‘drop off’ the pup during our normal daily walk. The owner had the pup in the backyard, with the leash draped over the fence. It was a safe – socially distant/no human contact – transaction.

The pup, my husband, and I enjoyed a 40 minute walk down a tree lined two lane road, passing a large pond, and a horse farm along the way. The weather was absolutely perfect. The temperature was in the high 50s, the sun was shining, and there was a constant light breeze. Our journey, which totaled 6.35 miles, was literally and figuratively a breath of fresh air.

My husband and I have been walking M – F around noon, since this craziness started. The walks help break up my husband’s workday, and it helps ease my seemingly endless anxiety. It’s a planned diversion; a wellness plan, if you will. It doesn’t always lessen the anxiety – but it keeps me moving, which is better sitting around nervously watching this stay-home cycle continue. But the walk with my client’s dog? That was an unexpected and unplanned diversion. It was organic. And to top it off, as I mentioned earlier, the weather was gorgeous. It was an answer to a prayer.

Another prayer was answered when the walk was completed, because my client asked if I would be willing to walk her dog twice a week going forward. Her request means that I will be bringing in a little money again. And though two walks a week don’t add up to a significant amount of money, it is significantly more than I was making without any scheduled jobs. I’ll take it, I’ll consider it a gift to find employment during this wicked hard time, and I’ll enjoy the breath of fresh air these walks will allow me to experience, mentally and emotionally.

My anxiety and lack of sleep will likely continue until peaks are met, curves are flattened, and people can, once again, safely gather together in the same room. For now, let’s be socially distant – together, while holding on to hope for tomorrow.

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Epilogue

I wrote this post back in April, as indicated, and for various reasons I didn’t publish it. I knew I wasn’t alone with my anxiety, and I knew I had many things for which to be thankful. But, the funny thing about anxiety, even when you know others are battling bigger wars, anxiety can still make for difficult times.

Since April, many things have changed and many things have stayed the same. My dog sitting business is back up and running. One school year ended, and another school year just started – 100% virtual and at home. My younger son’s swim practice is in full swing under strict COVID prevention guidelines, and my older son’s cross country season is slotted to start next month.

Aside from the boys’ activities, our lives remain very similar to how we were in April. I’m still the sole shopper, always wearing a mask and carrying hand sanitizer. We are still not eating out in restaurants, and friends and family visits are rare and socially distant. So far, my husband has avoided being laid off or furloughed, though as the economic toll from the pandemic continues, so do the layoffs and furloughs. And finally, my anxiety is still with me. It’s not as front and center as it was in April, but it’s still present.

That’s it. I’m not sure what else to say. Just like life seems to be stuck in limbo during this time of COVID, so to does this post.

Pardon me while I pat myself on the back.

~ Lenore Diane ~ 6 Comments
On January 8, 2017, I made the decision to change my lifestyle. No, this isn’t some coming out notice or anything along those lines. The lifestyle change I am referring to is weight loss and weight loss maintenance. When I stepped on the scale the morning of January 8 and read the numbers “167.5”, I had the realization that 170 was becoming a future reality for me. I did not want that reality, and I made the decision to get as far away from 170 as possible. I immediately set a goal: I will get to 155.0 by March 1.

The first step I took was not eating past 7pm. In fact, I made sure I brushed my teeth between 7:00 and 7:30 to ensure I didn’t eat. I realize that may sound odd, but for me, once I brush my teeth, my desire to eat diminishes.

The second step I took, simultaneously with step 1, was weighing myself every day at the same time of day (morning) and writing the weight on the mirror (every day). Seeing the number kept me focused and motivated – even when the weight didn’t drop and/or increased a bit.

The third step I took came into play after my husband, Rob, had to go on meds to address his high blood pressure. In an effort to help the meds better improve a change in his blood pressure, we decided to join a gym and exercise on a regular basis. Around February 11th, we joined Anytime Fitness.

I had not exercised for years. Someone once told me they were on an exercise hiatus. I thought that was hysterical, and I started telling people the same thing.

Since joining Anytime Fitness in February, Rob and I have been exercising regularly – at least six days a week, and with my hard work and commitment, I made my goal on March 1st, weighing in at 155.0.

Once I hit 155, I wondered if I could drop to 150.

I decided to extend my workout a little longer and push a little harder, to continue weighing myself daily and writing down the number, and to continue eating a healthy diet. By the middle of April my weight was 147.0, and this morning – my weight was 145.5.

Today I had my annual physical, and for the first time in over 15yrs, the doctor’s scale was below 150. I was elated. In fact, I was beyond elated, because the scale showed a weight of 147, and I was fully dressed, with shoes, and it was 1:15 pm in the afternoon.

But “weight” there’s more.

Last year, my doctor wanted me to take an iron and a vitamin D supplement, because I was anemic and had low vitamin D levels. I did as I was told for a few weeks, but I slowly got out of the habit. However, when I began this lifestyle change, I started taking a Flintstones chew-able multivitamin. (Yep, Flintstones. Yep, the same multivitamin my boys take.) I wasn’t 100% certain the multi-vitamin would have enough iron and vitamin D for me, but I figured it was better than nothing. Plus, it’s way more fun to hang out with the Flintstones than it is to hang out with One-A-Day.

Today, along with being elated about my weight, I was elated to find out my blood-work was excellent. The results of the blood-work impressed my doctor greatly, and she said it’s the best numbers she’s seen [in all her patients] in years. My iron and vitamin D levels are smack-dab in the middle of normal. And my normally low blood pressure? It’s lower, too at 102/60. (Previous normal low was @ 110/70.)

I am pleased with myself. I started this new lifestyle, and I set it up in a way that I know I can continue living it. I’m making this lifestyle a priority in my life, and I make sure there is time for it. It’s not always easy, and I don’t always look forward to going to the gym, but the positive results I’ve gained continue to motivate me. I look good. I feel good. And, I am stronger. Plus, like many of you, I kept my old clothes, hoping to fit in them again one day. Well, 15yrs and 20 lbs later, that “one day” is here! And, lucky for me, my fashion sense has always been lacking, so my lack of style 15yrs ago is still as [not] happening as it was then. #winning

As they say, “That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it!” I made a lifestyle change, and I am happily living it out. Good job, Lenore. Well done!

Lenore and Claire
My 48yr old self with my 24yr old friend/coworker. We look like we just walked off a college campus, right? Well, one of us does.

.::.

Afterward
I was losing weight without exercising, by simply not eating after 7pm. The weight-loss was slow but steady. When I added the exercise, the pace of the weight-loss increased, but it was still a seemingly slow process. Being patient and letting the weight come off gradually was hard, but I kept going, because I wanted to meet the goal. One doesn’t gain weight overnight – so one can’t expect to lose weight overnight.

I am married, have two kids, two dogs, and two cats. Both my husband and I work full-time. We pay a total of $60 a month for our gym membership. Monday – Friday, Rob and I typically go to the gym after dinner. On Saturdays and Sundays, Rob and I will go to the gym in the morning. Adding a structured exercise program doesn’t make it an easy lifestyle for us, but the benefits outweigh the challenges.

My apologies, but I have no title.

~ Lenore Diane ~ 10 Comments

I haven’t written in ages. Years. Decades. Clearly, my hyperbole is still intact, so I think it is safe to proceed.

Neil Gaiman. That’s the name of the guy getting credit for this post. Neil Gaiman and OverDrive. OverDrive is also getting credit for this post, because OverDrive, a free app that enables you to check out books from your local library and read or hear on your phone, tablet, etc., introduced me to Mr. Gaiman. Mr. Gaiman. That’s too formal. Going forward, I’m going to refer to Mr. Gaiman by his first name. I don’t think he’ll mind.

Whenever I visit my local Barnes and Noble Bookseller, I typically head straight to the Children’s section to find books for my boys. On more than one occasion, I’ve found myself spending several minutes starring at Neil’s novel, The Graveyard Book. I’ve yet to buy the book, but I might. One day. Or, I will listen to it online through OverDrive. Still, though I’ve not bought the book, I have his name in my head. And recently, while searching through my library’s electronic card catalog of the 21st Century via OverDrive, I came across Neil’s The Ocean at the End of the Lane. Once I started listening to the book, narrated by Neil himself, I was smitten.

Quite simply, I have fallen in love with Neil and his writing style. Even as I type this, I am reading it in his voice.

Those who know me in real life, as opposed to this digital life made up of 0s and 1s, tell me I write like I speak. They tell me they read my posts, hearing my voice as they read. I’ve not actually read one of Neil’s books – only listened. And, I’ve only completely listened to one book. (Though yesterday, I started another one of his books, Trigger Warning. I was drawn to it because it reference The Ocean, so it seemed the logical choice.)

Because I’ve not yet read one of his books, I don’t know if Neil’s books read like he speaks. And, I suppose it is safe to say I will never know if his books read like he speaks; because, well, after hearing Neil read his own books, I can only assume if/when I actually read one of his books, I will read it in his voice, trying to emulate the inflections and tones I’ve heard him make, much like I am doing now as I share this story with you.

And, with that, I think I’ve come to the end of this story. That is to say, I’ve scratched my ‘itch to write’ enough to satisfy it for another day or two – or 365 or more. But, I feel it necessary to let you know that I quite enjoyed The Ocean at the End of the Lane, though the ending wasn’t as exciting as I had hoped. (The description of the worm in the foot and the visual triggered by the said description will live with me forever. Thanks for that, Neil.) I am also enjoying Trigger Warning. My Cassandra was George Robinson. Fortunately for me, he stayed a work of fiction.

I’m pleased to finally meet your creations, Mr. Gaiman.* Formalities feel necessary at this point. It may take me awhile to get up to speed with the hip and happening, but I like to think I make it eventually. If only for a moment.

.::.

* Please know, though I’ve not read Coraline, I’ve seen the movie. (I realize that disclosure could be considered sacrilegious.) And no, I did not realize Coraline was a work of Gaiman. See post reference about my struggle to be hip and happening.