COVID-19 in NY: an increased opportunity to practice self care

The last week has felt like everything from a mild annoyance to a whirlwind of uncertainty depending on who you ask.   Much of the stress we are feeling is related to what we can and cannot control in this situation. Below are just a few tips to consider during the coming weeks to make life a little fuller and let go of worry:

1.) Avoid excessive exposure to media coverage.  Too much focus can be more frustrating than soothing.  This is especially important if you have children in the house.

2.) Make sure to stay connected with family and loved ones.  Even consider reaching out to those who you've been meaning to talk with for a while but didn't get around to yet.  Use facetime/skype/text/DirectMessenging to maintain connection.  Play games online with one another even if you don't want to in person.

3.) With the weather breaking take the time to connect with nature.  This will help avoid "cabin fever" and these behaviors have been shown to be healthy for your physical and emotional wellbeing.  Walking or Jogging are a great way to exercise and still be safe by practicing "social distancing".

4.) Maintain as much of your daily routine as you can.  Tending to your daily life is a simple but profound way to care for yourself. We respond and feel comfort in structure.

5.) If you have the means, make those healthy recipes you've been talking about for years but "never had time for." Or those small projects around your home that you've been meaning to get to.

6.) Do what helps you feel safe.  And remember that this is a proactive measure, as a society, that we are taking to best care for one another.  We are not avoiding large events out of fear but out of love and concern for one another.  

7.) Keep your mental health and medical appointments.  Those of us in the helping profession have been preparing for this so you can focus on your care when you come to us.  If you want or need to stay home see if your providers offer televideo appointments instead of cancelling (all my clients are eligible to use this service at no additional cost)

This is an unprecedented time for us as residents of New York.  We have a unique opportunity to use this period to better ourselves and show compassion for one another.