How are you and what are you doing with this pandemic stay at home time?

[Ant1981]

Hi, and I want to wish the American members a happy thanksgiving from Calgary Alberta Canada.

Since I got laid off in March ive had a excellent opportunity to catch up on my fitness and training goals and fixed my diet nicely. I’m just so grateful I can run, miles and miles,still weightlift and push my discipline and physical potential, I’m thankful I’m very stable and in remission for 3 years.

[Pistachio]

I am 48 years old so, still working. My husband is a chiropractor and I am his reception/office manager. Basically, it's just the two of us in the office and, well, the patients of course! So, to answer your question....I'm working as usual. We have a pretty good life though and only work 30 hours a week. I also teach English, online, to kids in China. I love it! It's pretty much business as usual for our family.

[KoKo]

In mid-August we got away for the week, in our RV. Our Son asked us if we would be willing to go. It was cheaper for him and us as well as more safe than staying in a Hotel/Motel. He went his way (hiking) and we did our own thing. It was such a nice time getting away and spending time with our son in the evening. I have an addiction for Crystals and we found an awesome store.

What a great idea, SNOOPY! Glad you and family had a nice time.

I am coming up on a year since my Total Knee Replacement and doing well. In October my Husband had a total right hip replacement and doing really well.

That's terrific! Happy to hear that you and your husband are both doing well. :-)

[SNOOPY]

In mid-August we got away for the week, in our RV. Our Son asked us if we would be willing to go. It was cheaper for him and us as well as more safe than staying in a Hotel/Motel. He went his way (hiking) and we did our own thing. It was such a nice time getting away and spending time with our son in the evening. I have an addiction for Crystals and we found an awesome store.

Other than that that we are home.

I am coming up on a year since my Total Knee Replacement and doing well. In October my Husband had a total right hip replacement and doing really well.

Like everyone else ---- I am ready for this Pandemic to end. Everyone, please take care.

[KoKo]

Not sure if it was from the county, or the state, but I even got a phone message from the emergency alert system (?) advising to wear mask, social distance, stay home unless necessary, etc.

Take care everyone

[pennstater]

Like elsewhere, big uptick in cases. The PA governor added a few new restrictions, mostly on traveling into the state from other states. Masks are also supposed to be worn indoors when someone not in your household is around, irregardless of ability to social distance. They are also required outdoors if you can't socially distance.

Aside from that, they seem to be leaving things in the hand of local officials. The state is diverse, so mandates you need in more populated areas make no sense in the many rural counties.

That being said, Philly imposed tight restrictions again. I believe take-out only, closed gyms, 10 person limit on Thanksgiving. I live in a County outside of Philly, and other than returning schools to all virtual, nothing new yet. I am guessing only a matter of time. I am in PT, plan on going. Still volunteering at a food pantry. Church is open with restrictions (no singing, pews marked off) - I would guess limit is 20% occupancy. Most of the participation is virtual anyway.

Hoping everyone stays well.

[loopey]

Italy is in bad shape again. Sections of the country have been designated "red" with heavy restrictions in place. Other places are designated "orange" with restrictions but less than red. Here in Rome we are still "yellow" with the minimum restrictions but we expect that to change anytime. Masks are required outside and everyone here seems to be complying. Restaurants must close for seating after 6PM but can deliver or allow take out service till 10:00.

I have been able to take care of some important things before more strict security measure are put in place. I got my MRI (good new on that!) and I just went to the US Embassy to renew my passport. Unfortunately, I have turned into the top procrastinator since the first lockdown. I just can't manage to do the things around the house I need to do. I have been taking walks with my son while I still can since he lives an hour away by train. We meet twice a week but that will not be possible once we go into the next phase.

Hang in there everyone. The news of the two vaccines is hopeful! I wish everyone good holidays!!!

[Mamabug]

Not many new government u restrictions here. Our county has a mask ordinance but it isn't always followed, by either the public or by businesses.

Just limiting gatherings to 45 or less.
But covid numbers are much worse here again. My church met in person for about four weeks earlier this fall. But is shut down again.

Exercise is still open but I've been attend less because I worry about safety.

My small group met in person once this fall but went back to zoom meetings.

Not getting together with any extended family for Thanksgiving. It will just be my household of three.

It is somewhat hopeful that vaccines are moving towards being released.

[Jennaly16]

Here in NY we are back in restrictions. All restaurants and bars are to close by 10pm with only four people allowed per table at reduced capacity. Also you are not allowed to have any private gathering with more than 10 people.

It's pretty frustrating as our governor has been very supportive of protests and riots that have occurred the past 8 months. He has spoken publicly on the subject and pretty much makes it appear as if Covid doesn't exist at those places yet if you have a funeral you can't have people attend because of Covid. Just doesn't make much sense.

Personally my family is still having thanksgiving dinner (not a lot of people but it will be more than 10). We are cautious and have been during all of this. We just can't take much more of this lockdown. Also we are a Law Enforcement family so can't say we approve of our governor. We did cancel our big christmas party with the extended family though. Want everyone to stay safe and reduce the risk.

I continue to work as I have during all of this. We just wear our masks, wash hands, keep hand sanitizer close and keep our distance as much as we are able. I'm with everyone else just looking for the day this is behind us.

[Seasha]

Well, friends... here we are again. With the rapid increases of Covid cases lately, it feels like we're almost back to square one again.

Has your elected official put more restrictions in place? Ours has.. no indoor dining, gyms and movie theaters closed, indoor social gatherings with people from outside the home are prohibited, religious gathering to 25% capacity, to name a few.

For us, the main bummer is that we will not be hosting Thanksgiving family dinner for the first time in years and possibly again for Christmas.

I am still going to my much needed PT appts, but may have to forego this. I'm not sure yet. Will check with them tomorrow.

My dh and I have always tried to be careful, but now are feeling more anxious.
How about you? Are you once again having to change your lifestyle and activities?

I pray that we all stay safe at this time and continue to hold on!

[Mamabug]

It's been 6 months now from when I started this thread and it shows that we are in it for the long haul! I'm wondering again how everyone is doing?

Are you having "Covid" pandemic fatigue? Here's are some helpful hints for leaning coping strategies while we wait it out...

• Exercise:
• Talking:
• Constructive thinking:
• Mindfulness and gratitude:

She said coping can start by just being aware, and by being easy on yourself.

Thanks, Seasha! Good reminders. :-)

[someone33]

Spending an insane amount of money on tattoos and building an expensive computer that I didn’t need. Nothing like 8000 dollars worth of refunded concert tickets to make me do crazy things.

Can this end so I can get my life back please?

[Seasha]

It's been 6 months now from when I started this thread and it shows that we are in it for the long haul! I'm wondering again how everyone is doing?

Are you having "Covid" pandemic fatigue? Here's are some helpful hints for leaning coping strategies while we wait it out...

"“We can help ourselves,” Hermanson said. “We’ve heard this before, but it’s true: It’s time to develop coping skills.” Those include:

• Exercise: “It’s the No. 1 best thing we can do for coping,” she said. “Any exercise – even a simple walk – helps. It releases endorphins, gets some of the adrenaline out when the frustration builds up. Just getting out and moving can be really helpful for people.”
• Talking: “This really helps, too. Just saying it out loud is important,” Hermanson said. “Find the right places and times, but do it. Ignoring feelings doesn’t make them go away. It’s like trying to hold a beachball underwater – eventually you lose control and it pops out. You can’t control where it goes or who it hits.”
• Constructive thinking: “We may think it is the situation that causes our feelings, but actually, our feelings come from our thoughts about the situation,” she said. “We can’t change the situation, but we can adjust our thinking. Be compassionate with yourself and others. Remind yourself, ‘I’m doing the best I can.’”
• Mindfulness and gratitude: “The more you do this, the easier it gets,” she said. “Try being in the moment. You’re right here, in this chair, breathing and looking around. We put ourselves through a lot of unnecessary misery projecting into the future or ruminating about the past. For now, just take life day by day.”

She said coping can start by just being aware, and by being easy on yourself.

“We have a tendency to get down on ourselves,” Hermanson said. “But be aware, if you’re someone who never cries and suddenly you’re in tears, or if small things make you super angry – those are signs you need to reach out and talk to somebody.”

https://health.ucdavis.edu/health-ne...logist/2020/07
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And always remember that you are not alone!
https://mymsaa.org/publications/moti...s-of-pandemic/

Wishing you all mental and physical wellness during these times.

[NoraS]

I've pretty much settled into what I call our Covid routine. I go out once a month for curbside grocery pickup and every other month to our local big-box membership store. My boy is living with me now, still unemployed, so while he gets out more than I do it's still very limited and he's careful to wash up and use hand sanitizer regularly. Mum stops in for coffee every week, frequently bringing me little treats, but we're not a huggy family so it's easy enough to social distance while she's here.

My daughter moved back to the area, but I rarely see her because she's providing extensive care for a disabled woman with 3 young kids in a neighboring county. She's afraid of bringing germs into my house, so we stay in touch with Skype.

I'm emailing more relatives, took a couple online classes, and mostly just spend my free time on the back porch trying to identify the birds I see. I added a hummingbird feeder and discovered that we have 2 sets of fawns living in the woods with 3 does. I'm getting caught up on my fiction reading and have gotten back to nonfiction, which I had to drop last winter due to brain fog. I'm also more involved in my long-time hobby of genealogical research, which is slow, solitary, and time-consuming. In other words, perfect for when you can't go anywhere!

[Mamabug]

For me, that means no going to the gym. My exercise has been to use free weights and riding a trike but that's much harder for me to establish a fixed routine compared to what I had with my previous gym routine. Or is that just me whining?!

No, not just you whining. While our gyms were closed, I did almost nothing at home. Less than you.

It's just not the same. I get it. Motivation is hard.