Getting Used to Our “New Normal”

June 19, 2020 by Nicole Twohig

UVM Vermont Center on Behavior & Health faculty members Allison N. Kurti, Ph.D., and Stephen Higgins, Ph.D., discuss how to manage the natural urge to socialize, how to understand our reactions and feelings, and how to establish new, healthy routines to help us cope with our “new normal” and help keep our communities safe.

Allison N. Kurti, Ph.D., an assistant professor of psychiatry and psychological science, and Stephen Higgins, Ph.D., professor of psychiatry and psychological science, and director of VCBH, recently authored an article for the UVM Medical Center's blog entitled, "Getting Used to Our 'New Normal.'" The article explores several important behavior change questions community members face as the weather becomes warmer and sunnier, we see opportunities to gather outdoors, and we desire a return to our pre-pandemic lives despite knowing COVID-19 has not been eliminated, there is no treatment, nor a vaccine.

  • Why is it so hard to continue practicing physical distancing even though we know it’s the right thing to do?
  • How can we overcome our tendency to lose sight of greater future rewards, like a healthier community?
  • How do we set up routines for ourselves?
  • Where can we find more of these fun resources?

Read the entire article on the blog and visit the new VCBH COVID-19 website to find resources to help maintain health and wellness while social distancing and adjusting to the "new normal."