The COVID 19 pandemic certainly has been a whirl wind, and something I could have never imagined experiencing in my life time. It has changed life as we know it for many, and my heart goes out to all who have lost and been lost. I am praying for better circumstances, and I’d like to think that we are all going to make it out of this stronger than ever. Moments like these are what being human is all about, we are stronger together, even if we are apart. I know we can get through this, and that is why I am writing this blog. I want to share my experience with you because I know some of you out there can relate to me in this very moment. I also want to share some tips on how I have maintained a positive mental health through COVID 19, and hope they may serve you.
It has been different to go out wearing mask, stop going to parks, and even begin homeschooling. All these changes have caused me stress and made me feel fearful at times. On top of all that, all I hear about in the media is COVID 19, and while some information may be important it can be very hard to separate what are facts from fiction. With that we dive into my first tip.
TIP # 1 STICK TO FEDERAL AND GOVERNMENT SITES
These sites below provide reliable and up to date information that will keep you safe day to day. The constant flow of information that is on sources of media is not necessary, especially if we feel negative emotions because of it. It is important to listen to our body’s responses to maintain a good mental health practice.
Government sites:
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak (World Health Organization): https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
Federal Government:
COVID-19 in the United States (Centers for Disease Control): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Situation Summary: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/summary.html
Coronavirus Testing (MedlinePlus): https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/coronavirus-testing/
COVID-19 (National Institutes of Health): https://www.nih.gov/health-information/coronavirus
COVID-19: Additional NLM Resources (National Library of Medicine): https://www.nlm.nih.gov/index.html#Novel_Coronavirus
Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) (Food & Drug Administration): https://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/mcm-issues/novel-coronavirus-covid-19
Safety & Health Topics: COVID-19 (Occupational Health and Safety Administration): https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/covid-19/
While staying at home has certainly been refreshing, there are moments or days where I feel like I just do not know what to do with myself. It is easy to forget about the routines we have when it is recommended we stay home all the time. So,
TIP # 2 Stick to as many of your old routines as you can.
Some of the routines I have maintained are,
· Waking up at my usual time and getting ready (even though I have no where to go)
· Making breakfast, lunch and dinner
· Meditating
· Exercising
· Reading
Some may feel like they have too much time on their hands because of the closing of establishments, and recommended social distancing. My usual routine with the kids for drop off, pick up, or after school activities are on hold. I decided to replace those routines with ones that are realistic during these circumstances, here are some ideas that can keep you entertained with the extra time on your hands.
Tip # 3 Replace old routines with new ones.
· Spend more time outside, enjoy the weather, watch the sky, feel the breeze, bask in the sun, ride a bike or take a walk
· Create, create, create (art, poems, dances, ANYTHING!)
· Cross word puzzles
· Try out something new like Yoga or Zumba. Get your body moving!
YouTube is a great place to look for tutorials if you are trying just about ANYTHING new. Scroll away, what better time to find a new hobby than now!
I think the most important tip of all is this one.
TIP # 4 Get to know and love yourself
I have learned so much about myself through this experience because I am intentional about understanding myself daily. Take the time to understand your emotions during this time. I typically do this by asking myself why, about everything. Doing this inner work allows me to learn about myself. If I know why I am the way I am, and think the way that I do, I am better able to seek and ask for what I need.
So, take care of yourself during this time, learn about who you are, pamper yourself, speak to yourself kindly, and be patient my friends. This moment is not happening to us. It is happening for us!
I hope this was helpful. I am here for you.
Stay true,
Jen
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