My Coronavirus Retreat

The whole world is in the midst of the Coronavirus and many people are finding it very difficult to do social distancing and self-isolation. We have been self-quarantining for 3 weeks now, only going to the grocery store twice. These tumultuous times can create fear, anxiety, panic, loneliness, and depression. None of these things are healthy for anyone, especially with someone with Alzheimer’s disease.

I have ALWAYS been a glass half full gal, and this situation is no exception. I cannot allow myself to have these feelings. They would do me no good and would cause me to lose my focus on beating this damn disease. Nope, I’m not having it!

I am viewing this forced self quarantine as a “retreat” of sorts. I am focused on self care and actually have been enjoying my down time. I don’t let those creepy feelings of loneliness and despair take hold of me. If I do, then I lose my joy and I allow my Alzheimer’s to win. Nope not doing it.

How am I keeping busy, you may ask? I have made a list of projects around my home I want to complete and I have one scheduled every day that takes a few hours. I also joined Weight Watchers so that I could ensure I am focused on what I am eating to ensure I am eating healthy and not gorging myself in these uncertain times. I am proud to say I have lost 13.5 pounds in a month. I am also very focused on ensuring blood gets to my brain, and following my brain checklist daily. I am also focused on removing the toxins from my system (see My Toxic Brain post). I exercise daily doing at least two of these four things a day (walk three miles, golf at our golf course in our neighborhood; they have tons of rules that ensure we don’t touch anything, water aerobics, or dance). This ensures I complete my required steps, get my cardio in, and get the blood to my brain. Awesome sauce!

I am also journaling everyday. I also listen to two bible apps that I have every morning. I try not to read to much because that is a sedentary activity and my neurologist and cardiologist as well as my Mom’s said that it isn’t very good for our brain or heart…..it doesn’t get the blood flowing to the brain or the heart. I am also continuing to work daily on my end of life plans, which is very emotionally difficult for me.

The hardest part of this isolation is that I am a social butterfly. Fortunately, I live in Florida so it is easy to take walks and talk to people from across the street every day. I also make it a point to contact one or two people a day and FaceTime with them to ensure they know I care and feel we are connected. Thank goodness for technology. I also have been taking advantage of all this glorious time to do self care, like giving myself a manicure/pedicure, and a facial. I also take naps and play Brain HQ which was recommended by my neurologist. In the evenings, my husband and I are binge watching some great shows.

I am a true believer that everything happens for a reason. I think this is God’s way of getting us all to slow down and show us what is important and also allow our environment to heal. If I, a person with a heart condition, Early Onset Alzheimer’s and last year had cancer can be positive so can you. I am grateful every day for simply waking up, having a roof over my head, and food on the table, and people who love me. My glass is pouring over and I am grateful. What are you grateful for?

Not today, Alzheimer’s, not today! I’m having too much fun.