Amidst this Coronavirus pandemic, are you good care about yourself? Are you feeling unsure about how to practice self-care while social distancing?
While the world is changing, we are experiencing a need to adapt to our lifestyles as well. As we adjust, many are noticing that usual methods of self-care may conflict with social distancing guidelines. While self-care strategies tend to be subjective, one thing that remains the same regardless of who you are is the essentiality of self-care during times of high stress.
Here are three questions to ask yourself as you adjust your self-care as we face the COVID-19 pandemic.
1. What can I still do?
It may seem as though everything is changing around you, and you may indeed be experiencing tremendous change; however, don’t fall into the trap of exacerbating your adjustment process by overlooking the things that are consistent. While we are all adapting in several ways, some things may be consistent. Even if you are distracted by all that you may be unable to do, could you shift your focus to consider the strategies that you have used in the past that may still transfer during this time?
Here are some ideas:
- Baths
- Coloring
- Cooking
- Crafting
- Deep breathing
- Digital detox
- Gratitude practice
- Meditation
- Mindfulness
- Music
- Painting
- Praying
- Reading
- Sewing
- Therapy
- Writing
Looking to know about how you can self-care while social distancing? Read 8 Things You Can Do To Take Care Of Your Mental Health During Social Distancing
2. What new opportunities for self-care are available under these circumstances?
As we deal with the uncertainty of the time and the seemingly consistent status of constant change, it can be easy to paint this entire experience as negative. Can you find the silver lining? Many are experiencing some adjustments that could have benefits such as the ability to be home, delayed deadlines, and more free time. Are there coping skills that you have wanted to try that social distancing creates an opportunity to explore? Similarly, are there habits that you may have neglected from the past that you can pick back up during this time?
Examples include:
- Cleaning
- Experimenting with a new routine
- Household bonding
- Learning something new
- More playtime with pets
- Organizing
- Playing an instrument
- Rest
- Staycation
Looking for more ideas about how you self-care while in isolation? Read Self-Isolating for Coronavirus: Here’s How to Make The Most Of It
3. Which of my self-care strategies can be adjusted?
While you may have to forego a lot of your usual strategies, don’t be so quick to let them go entirely. Consider the ways that you can meet the need of that strategy in a similar context.
For example, while gyms and fitness centers may be closed, that does not necessarily mean you need to neglect exercise altogether. Depending on your current location and social distancing guidelines, you may have the option to go for a walk or enjoy an outdoor routine. If you are confined, perhaps you can video chat a workout buddy, use a fitness app to guide you, or find a local studio that is streaming a class you enjoy.
Self-care is commonly misinterpreted to be a solitary process. Remember, self-care is comprised of the skills that you use to meet your varying needs. As social beings, we tend to long for connection (yes, introverts too). In light of social distancing, it is certainly normal to experience reactions such a loss, confusion, and worry when realizing that you may not be able to connect to others in the ways you usually prefer. However, please caution considering social distancing to be synonymous with social isolation. Be creative and explore various ways to remain connected.
We live in a time in which technological advances provide us with several options to connect. Videogames can help you avoid the stress of the moment as an escape into another realm with a friend from afar. If you are in the same household, perhaps this is a good opportunity to bring out a good, old-fashioned board game to spark nostalgia. Several social platforms offer the opportunity to engage on a wider scale. Under the circumstances, perhaps you can use this time to connect on a more intimate level. Perhaps you can organize a video chat gathering, host a Netflix watch party, sending a thank-you e-mail, or call a loved one.
Often, self-care is easier said than done. Self-care can be tricky, particularly when facing a pandemic. However, this global crisis makes self-care crucial. While it may be tempting to neglect self-care during this time, over time you can decreases sleep, relationship satisfaction, self-esteem, empathy, and compassion. Ongoing exposure to stress without proper coping can put you at risk for serious consequences such as depression and heart disease. Instead of neglecting your self-care during this time, shift your focus to adapting and be kind to yourself as you adjust.
Self-care is imperative for inherent happiness and satisfaction and should always be a part of your daily routine. But in a situation like this, it is crucial that you adjust your self-care keeping in mind the social distancing measures. This will help you take better care of your mental health, it will also shield you from this deadly virus.
If you want to know more about how you can indulge in self-care while social distancing, then check this video out below:
Written By Shainna Ali
Originally Appeared In Psychology Today
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