I am having an issue in word where when I create a page header to be used as part of table of contents I can't deselect the header to proceed to type the rest of the page in normal. Once I create the header for the title of my chapter and hit enter to start typing body of my 'normal' page style selection just jumps back to header 1. Selecting Normal 1 doesn't seem to take as soon as i start typing it reverts to Header 1. Any help on this appreciated.

Please look into the difference in use and structure between Headers and Headings.
What is the difference between headings and headers?

Your Table of Contents should never be based on a header, but often will be based on headings. Technically, headers are not even on a page. Here are some resources on creating a Table of Contents.

• Generating a Table of Contents
• How to create a table of contents in Microsoft Word by Shauna Kelly
• TOC Tips and Tricks by Suzanne Barnhill, MVP

I see. Sorry for the mix up in terms. This is in regard to Headings used in creating a table of contents. I can create headings for my chapter titles, but once done with that line I often can not get Word back to 'Normal' style.

Resources:

• Understanding Styles in Microsoft Word
• Managing Word Styles by Suzanne Barnhill, MVP
• Tips for Understanding Styles in Word by Shauna Kelly

What you likely want is to modify your heading styles to set the style for following paragraph.

You can use the keyboard shortcut of Ctrl+Shift+N to switch to the normal style. Do this without text selected to change it for the entire paragraph.

I do not recommend using the normal style for your body text. My personal preference is to use the Body Text style because any changes made to the normal style will cascade or ripple through many other styles.

• Normal vs. Body Styles by Suzanne Barnhill, MVP
• How styles in Microsoft Word cascade by Shauna Kelly

I generally disable linked styles. Character Style v Paragraph Style v Linked Style
I believe most experienced Word users do the same.

A good place to review how Word works is Basic Concepts of Microsoft Word - from Shauna Kelly