Self Care in the Time of COVID-19

These are crazy times. Nearly everything has been canceled for at least two weeks and we have been asked to practice "social distancing." Kids are home from school. People are buying toilet paper like there will never be any ever again. And the numbers of those who've contracted COVID-19 keep going up. It's enough to make anyone have a panic attack.

Now is the Time to Practice EXTREME Self Care
But what exactly does self care look like now? I mean, likely your family is at home trying to work or bored out of their minds. How the hell are you going to take care of yourself with everyone around? 

Well, if you freak out then everyone will too. You've got to muster up your strength to be the calm example they need. I'm not saying that you should stuff down your feelings of anxiety, but quoting every click bait headline to your family that reads: COVID-19 Heralds the Coming Apocalypse, doesn't help at all. Here are some simple things you can do to practice self care in the time of COVID-19:

1. Stop Reading/Watching the News and Social Media
Get updates if things change in your local area then get off! I was driving myself mad by checking news sites every five minutes. Things are changing rapidly but not that fast. You can check once or twice a day but then stay away. It's only going to fuel your anxiety, and most of it is total crap. 

2. Read/Watch Content that Makes You Laugh
We all need a little laughter right now. So binge away on SNL, funny cat videos, Schitt's Creek, or anything that you enjoy. Fuel your mind with things that aren't so gloom and doom.

3. Take a Walk
If the weather permits, go outside and take a walk. Notice the blue sky, the flowers in bloom, and your neighbor's pristine lawn. Walking can be very meditative so take breaks as often as you need. 

4. Get Some Rest
We've got a real opportunity here to slow down. Isn't it kind of nice not to have to get up at the crack of dawn and cram down breakfast, rally up the kids, or whatever your morning routine usually entails? Now you can put on a pot of coffee and some light jazz (or other music you enjoy) and ease your way into the day. 

5. Prepare Your Own Food
Many of us love to dine out of the home. For me, it's because I hate the clean up after preparing a meal! But there's something very nurturing about preparing your own meals. You know exactly what went into your dish so there's no concerns about how healthy it is for you. You can even make it a family affair (but be sure to wash your hands!).

6. Breathe
Deep abdominal breathing sends a signal to your brain that everything is okay. Essentially you turn off your "fight or flight" response. Read more about this here​.

We don't know how long social distancing will last but we can do things that bring more calm and self nurturing so we can deal with whatever happens.

​Wishing everyone health and peace!

Peace, love & yoga!
Dana

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