Rediscovering Wellness Outside the Pandemic | Brandon Roane, MD

Brandon Roane, MD

With the rate of new COVID-19 cases in the United States trending towards the lowest number in almost a year, we are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Our communities are beginning to open up and a sense of normalcy is slowly being re-introduced. Throughout the pandemic, we have all made major adjustments to every aspect of our lives; including our personal wellness. There has been an emphasis placed on how to experience wellness during the pandemic while being mindful of safety measures. However, as our cities begin to re-open and public gathering restrictions are being loosened in light of vaccinations, we find ourselves with opportunities that we have not had in over a year. To be honest, it has been hard to fathom what my personal wellness looked like prior to the pandemic.  This is where technology is a huge help and all it took was the “Photo” app on my phone to take a stroll down memory lane. Not only was I filled with a sense of nostalgia, but I was provided inspiration for events to plan with my friends and family in the near future.

One picture that I came across during my scrolling through my phone was from a trip my wife and I took to NYC to see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway. Recent news from The Broadway League has reported that Broadway shows will resume beginning this September. Included in the released lineup for upcoming shows were classics such as Wicked and Chicago, as well as newer hit musicals such as Hamilton and The Lion King. Tickets for shows were hard to come by pre-COVID and I would imagine the re-opening of Broadway would yield a similar high demand.

A favorite domestic vacation destination prior to the pandemic was Napa Valley, CA. California Wine Country is “ripe” with great wine, great views, and great people. Recently, Napa County has reduced restrictions and reopened businesses. Currently, restaurants and wineries are running at reduced capacity, but there are reservations available for small groups and seating is offered both inside and outside. Similar experiences are available all along the West Coast and each region has their own signature wine and cuisine to sample.

Growing up in Baltimore and moving south along the East Coast, one thing that I have particularly enjoyed is great seafood! While there are plenty of wonderful seafood restaurants from the Chesapeake to the Gulf, this doesn’t mean you can’t bring some delicious, fresh seafood to enjoy at your own home.  My co-fellows and I got together with a couple dozen fresh oysters from the local seafood market. It was a group effort shucking and dressing them, but all that effort made for an even more enjoyable meal and even better time with the fellows!

As we begin to grow more comfortable with resuming some of our normal activities and we seek to rediscover our wellness outside the pandemic, you don’t have to look further than the palm of your hand for your guide. Grab your phone, tap that photo app, and swipe right to find your own inspiration.

Brandon Roane, MD, is a gynecologic oncology fellow at University of Alabama at Birmingham.