SELF CARE DURING COVID-19

Times of Change

Needless to say COVID-19 has changed the way we live.  Mask wearing in California among other states is common place.  So much so that a local boutique is advertising summer dresses with matching face masks and my laundry area has masks hanging to dry.  As if these visual reminders aren't enough, social distancing means we can't interact with friends and family like we used to.  Eating has been moved to outdoors and family members who fall in the high risk category refrain from physical contact like hugging.  Parents with newborns are being more careful which means family can't always visit and meet the new addition.  Handshakes and other physical contact is not a risk some chose to take.  All of this can lead to feelings of melancholy or downright depression.  Self care is always an important topic for massage therapists but during this time it's imperative to do what you need to stay mentally fit.        

Do what makes you happy

What's that thing you haven't done in a while?  Is there something you used to do when you were younger that for whatever reason you don't do anymore?  Playing an instrument.  Riding a bike.  Coloring.  Making cookies.  Swinging.  Camping. Maybe it's allowing yourself to read a book for 30 minutes.  

A healthy individual is one who sees their life with meaning and purpose. 

Get out in nature

The outdoors is good for the soul.  Today you could plant something in the ground.  Put your hands in the dirt.  Notice bugs or worms.  Find a tiny flower.  Those weeds you see often have special flowers if you look closely. Go for a walk or jog down a dirt path.  The more trees the better.  Find a park and sit on a blanket.  Camp overnight in a tent.

Sit near water and listen.  The sound of water is known to have calming, regenerative properties. 

Lay on your back under a tree.  Look up through the leaves, listen and breathe.

Create

Using our creative abilities is part of what makes a whole.  "I'm not creative" you say?  Everyone is creative in some way.  Creativity and artistic ability are two different things.  You may have a talent for drawing, painting or sculpting.  You may be creative in the kitchen.  Good for you if you don't need to follow recipes!  You may have the eye for re-purposing items that otherwise would go in the trash.  You can be a creative organizer with endless ideas how to de-clutter even the messiest rooms.  Teachers are creative in finding ways to motivate students with different learning styles.  Do you create ways to make people laugh?  You are needed in times of change like the present.  Writers create.  Crafters create. Sewing, photographers, and jewelry makers create.  Find your creativity and nurture it to improve your health.  

Be with animals

Animals are proven healers.  Hospitals use animal assisted therapy for pain and anxiety reduction.  Long-term care facilities can use animals to brighten the days of residents.  Therapeutic riding programs use horseback riding to loosen muscular holding patterns due to physical disabilities and balance the minds of those with mental disabilities.  Post-traumatic stress disorder has many positive outcomes from using animal-assisted therapy.  Many households have multiple animals as part of the family because animals make us feel good!  Dogs, cats, horses, guinea pigs and rabbits are a few of the furry friends we love.  Spend time with a fuzzy friend and notice the smile you wear.  Play in a pile of puppies today.  

Maintain contact with friends and family 

Everyone is in this together so others may be feeling isolated and would appreciate a phone call, text or face time.  Keeping in touch can give the feeling of connection even when we can't visit.  I've used Marco Polo recently for a video text and it's fun to see what projects people are doing while at home.  Call a friend you haven't talked to in a while.  Host a large Zoom call for out of state family members or friends.  It's like a virtual party!  

Practice Gratitude

Notice the good things in life no matter how small they may seem.  Look for them. Appreciate them.  It sounds simple but it takes a conscious effort to shift your perspective away from negativity and focus on the things you have to be grateful for.  The more you practice finding things to be grateful for the easier it is to find more and more gratitude in your life.  You may even want to keep a gratitude journal.  Writing things down is a good way to reflect and foster more grateful moments in life.  

The best self care is whatever you need to lift your spirit.  Uncertainty is always anxiety producing if we let it.  These are uncertain times and taking care of your physical and mental health are most important.  Place your energy into things you can control to make your days as healthy and happy as possible. 

Until next time

Be fit, be strong, practice lots of self care and show yourself some grace during this time