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I hope this message finds you safe and healthy!
What a time we are living in. Many of us have never seen anything like this pandemic in our lifetime.
We are working from home, schooling our children from home and social distancing from loved ones.
For many people who have frontline occupations; putting yourself at risk daily has become your new normal. Thank you so much for all you are doing in this time.
We are searching for food and supplies and many of us are out of work.
Talk about stress…
It is crucial to not only take care of our physical health, but also our mental health during this time. It is important to have connections even though we cannot physically be near people.
Here are a few tips for self care if you are stuck at home:
Make your Bed
This may sound silly, but it can be the first in a chain of important and meaningful things you do in a day. Admiral McRaven puts it much more eloquently than I do! Watch here:
Get Ready
It is good to have a lazy day here and there… mine are on the weekends for sure. But it is important to get dressed and ready if you are stuck at home for long periods of time. You feel better and more productive which is important when suddenly working from home or if you are at home and unemployed.
Have a Routine
Even if it is a simple and relaxed one, having a routine gives purpose to your day. It also helps you be active which in turn can help you sleep at night! Get up, make your bed, eat a healthy breakfast and get to it. Maybe you do yoga, walk or journal. Have a household chore to do every day. Check in with friends and family.
Check in with Others
Make sure to maintain social connections. In our times, there are many ways to stay in touch! You can call, text, email, facebook, video chat, google hang out…. so many options. If you do not have a large social circle, find some online support groups. Make sure to stay in touch with your therapist if you have one. Many of them are now doing virtual and phone appointments.
Find a Way to Decompress
For those who are still reporting to work, this can add another layer of stress. You may be in a job that puts you at daily risk. You may be in high stress positions and are exhausted. It is crucial to find a way to decompress. That can be deep breathing before bed. It can be listening to your favorite song… or nothing at all… on your way home. It can be yoga or a hot bath. Or even just 10 minutes of quiet.
Focus on what you CAN Control and what is Going Right
In times where we have little control, it is important to focus on what we can control. You can control your home and who comes in and out… creating a safe space. You can control what you do to take care of yourself. You can take steps to control stress and anxiety. Focus on the positives. Maybe you are getting to spend more time with fur babies and/or family. Maybe you are getting to do some hobbies you never had time for. Maybe you are on the frontlines saving lives!
Be Present in the Moment
We cannot change the past and we have no idea what the future is going to bring…but we can focus on right now.We can enjoy the things that are going well and try to find things to be thankful for.
Remember to breath
All of this can be very overwhelming. When all else fails, take a deep breath. Take another. Reset. We will make it through this.
Take good care of yourselves and each other!
*if you feel like you are in crisis and need to talk to someone right away, please call 1-844-493-TALK (8255) *