Masks, - Stay Safe, Stay Well

You can’t miss the public announcements, social media posts, and posters all over town.  Yes, the face mask.  Even though the evidence and research are forever changing, this item has become a new part of our new norm.  Before you leave the house you do your check to ensure that you have everything you need for the day and any new items that are required for your safety. 
 
Even though most people agree that the more we all practice these new protocols, they can cause a lot of stress to a lot of people.  With new changes, the increase in our mental wellbeing is being pushed to the limits daily.  How do we find a balance between our new norm and our mental wellbeing? 
 
Everyone is being put to the test. Will this be forever or just for right now.  For some of us it can be a difficult choice and an even harder one when our choices are being taken away and legislations enforced.  Even though we know that this is for the benefit of those who are within the high-risk category, it can be a hard change in mindset.
 
These changes could be hard to embrace. There was a time when similar guidelines were put into place: NO Shoes, NO Shirt, NO Service… Even though this never became a by-law there was a time where people wanted to go shopping with no shoes or no shirt.  One day we will be looking back at this and telling our kids or grandkids that there was a time when we could go out to the store without a mask or who knows maybe we will be telling them that there was a period of time that we had to wear a face mask.
 
To minimize anxiety and stress, take it one day at a time.  Practice wearing a face mask at home, for a short period of time, this way you’ll get used to the feeling. Control your breathing, take deep slow breaths.  Find the right mask that’s right for you. There are many masks out there on the market.  Depending on the situation you might have to wear a mask that adheres to legislative code. Other times you can wear a mask that could even be homemade.  Having a different mindset around why one might be hesitant to wear a face mask. The unknown can be frightening. 
 
The one thing that always gets me is when I’m out in public and I see someone wear a mask that’s not on properly or being taken off the wrong way!  Education is key. 

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https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/how-to-wear-cloth-face-coverings.html
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