Self Care Tips You Can Implement During COVID-19 and Your Everyday Life
There is no doubt that the COVID-19 has changed us all and how we live! Although we may have little control over the big picture at the moment, we can take control of many of the “little things” we do each day to take care of ourselves, those we love and our global community.
Practicing self care isn’t just important for your own physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing, but it encourages you to maintain a healthy relationship with yourself so that you can transmit good feelings to others. You cannot give to others what you don't have yourself.
Selfcare starts from the simple acts like not checking emails at night when you know it affects your sleep and extends to more important decisions like going for a vacation, although that’s probably on hold right now, or booking a massage when you feel you need one.
Because you’ve got this! And you do. Here is a list of self care practices that can help you or someone you love:
- Social Distancing: practice it and remind those you love the importance as well.
- Get enough sleep: practice a healthful sleep routine by going to bed around the same time each night, avoiding food or drink that may keep you awake (coffee and sugar) and provide a soothing environment to sleep in with few distractions and comfortable bedding products that promote rest. Yes, your bed and bedding make a huge difference!
- Wash your hands like a pro: Watch my video on the Skin Health Plus YouTube Channel for a demonstration on the proper technique recommended by The World Health Organization. Keep your environment clean and protected by using products that kill the Covid-19 virus and other germs.
- Organize your space: Take one small space at a time, maybe a small drawer, etc. Get a feel for how the organizational gurus do it by watching The Marie Kondo Series or read up on Bullet journaling. Pinterest can offer inspiration as well as fun stores like The Container Store – and you can order online.
- Limit the number of hours you watch the news if possible: Yes, it’s necessary to be informed but 24/7 coverage may cause you to feel helpless, fearful, anxious and depressed. Same goes for social media if your feed is filled with fear and anger.
- Set up a set routine/schedule for yourself and family members. This will give some balance to the day and if you are working from home it helps keep you on task.
- It does not have to be fancy! Hit up a free class on line, take a nice walk outside if possible. Exercise can help you both physically and mentally by boosting your mood, reducing stress, anxiety and possibly help shed unwanted weight.
- Eat as healthy as possible. Most of us know good nutrition gives our bodies the fuel it needs to fight off inflammation, infections, and disease. It can be fun to try a new recipe that looks both delicious and nutritious. For inspiration watch one of the cooking channels not only will they give you good ideas, but lots are truly entertaining!
- Connect and reach out to others. Many people feel isolated, or just do not want to “bother” another! Use Text, Zoom, phones or even sending a handwritten letter through snail mail to reach out to your friends, family, and the community.
- Be grateful. Even if you can only think of one small thing to focus on it’s okay! Find those things you are grateful for then at night or in the morning start a gratitude list and keep it going.
The Amazing Thing About You Is …That You’ve Got What It Takes!! Allow yourself time to reflex, adapt and move forward. Be gentle on yourself and those around you, find the good in yourself, those you love and our global community!! The Amazing Thing About Us Is ….We Have What It Takes!
Sending Healing Thoughts,
Mary McGovern BSN, RN, CNOR
