Restart: Designing a Healthy Post-Pandemic Life

Psychologist Dodgen-Magee (Deviced!) takes a look at what a “normal” postpandemic future may consist of in this useful, timely guide. She starts by explaining how grief caused by the pandemic should be identified and processed—including not only the loss of lives, but the loss of normalcy, routine, and expectations. She then recommends steps to help readers overcome grief by taking stock of how one reacted to the early days of the pandemic and exploring the ways quarantining affected one socially and emotionally. The most beneficial section provides insight on how stress can affect the mind and how unhealthy habits can take hold, and the author provides detailed information on how to identify and overcome habitual behavior. Effectively mixing philosophies, Dodgen-Magee mines the Buddhist concept of the Beginner’s Mind (maintaining an open attitude) and the Dutch practice of Niksen (the art of doing nothing) to great effect. These practical suggestions will be welcomed by those looking to do some reevaluation after a life of quarantine. (Oct.)