This pandemic has lasted far longer than we anticipated. As days stretch into weeks and months, we’ve all wondered in our own way when this will all end. But we’ve also shown how adaptable we are.

In Volume 10 of this guest series, Psychotherapist, Dr. Francis L. Battisti and Nutritionist, Dr. Helen Battisti help us acknowledge and celebrate our resilience.

For over 10 years, they have worked closely with us on aging concerns and have presented many webinars and in-person workshops.Their newsletter, The Zone, is a weekly mental health and nutrition tip sheet during times of change.

As the weeks of the pandemic continue to unfold, each of us has experienced this time in unique ways. During these weeks, we may have wondered, “Can I do this?” “Will it ever end?” “What is real and what is not?” Well, we may still have these same questions, however, we have made it to this point. All types of obstacles and barriers may have been placed in front of us, but we worked around and with them. This accomplishment is important to acknowledge and celebrate. Resilience, the ability to withstand hardship, bouncing back by successfully adapting to adversity, and the realization and use of our strengths has helped us reach this point. Faith, Self, Relationships and Community working together have assisted us in our quest for safety and health. These lessons learned can be carried forward when we take time to reflect on them. When you are ready, explore the ingredients that contributed to your successful transition through the weeks of the Pandemic.

Key Takeaways

• Ready or not, the effects of the Pandemic keep on developing. 
• Reinforcing the strengths that we have adopted during this time and use them. 
• Realize that you have made it through, to this point. 
• Take stock of the lessons that you have learned about yourself.

Best Practices

• Our body is a source of strength that needs to be regularly nourished and exercised. 
• Find the balance between doing and being. 
• Continually working to remain calm and rational will assist us to make good decisions. 
• Develop and maintain quality relationships that enhance a resilient mindset. 
• Identify ourselves as survivors.

Things to Limit

• Continually exposing ourselves to things that drain our energy. 
• Not asking for help. 
• Taking actions that you later regret. 

In summary, as time continues to move on, we need to maintain a focus on our chosen goals. Although we find that things may not be the way we want them to be, we need to have an understanding that setbacks are a part of learning and living. Each action we choose to take or not take today, impacts tomorrow’s outcome.

Quote of the Week 

“The capacity to learn is a gift, the ability to learn is a skill, the willingness to learn is a choice.“ – Brian Herbert

The paraDocs are Dr. Francis L. Battisti, PhD, Psychotherapist, Distinguished Psychology Professor and former Executive V.P. and Chief Academic Officer and, Dr. Helen E. Battisti, PhD. Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist.

We have developed The ZONE, because that is exactly where you want to be during this pandemic. A place of focused attention to doing exactly what needs to be done to get you to where you need to be. The purpose of The Zone is to provide a weekly mental-health and nutrition tip-sheet during times of change.

If you would like to subscribe to The Zone, please email info@avilainstitute.org and we will get you on the mailing list.