The COVID 19 pandemic can be overwhelming due to social isolation, financial constraints, and psychological stress associated with it. We are living in uncertain times, unsure of how we’re going to carry one with the virus., However, it’s essential to take care of yourself and those around you. “Don’t be too hard on yourself and manage the stress positively,” says Sandra Larson, RN, with My Sex Toy Guide.
Here are a few tips to help you take care of yourself;
1. Practice Mindful Meditation
Instead of speeding your thoughts to accommodate the pandemic stress, take a few minutes to practice mindfulness. Forget the past and focus on the present, channeling all your senses to whatever you’re doing. Whether you’re writing a report or taking a cup of coffee, focus on being intensely aware of your feelings at the moment, and let go of interpretation or judgment.
Being mindful of your surroundings helps your body and mind to relax, thus reducing stress. This way, you can go back to whatever you were doing before with a free mind and renewed energy.
2. Get Enough Sleep
If ever there was a time when you needed sleep more, it is now. Prioritize sleep and make sure you get enough of it every day, especially when you feel like you’re headed into mental burn out. Avoid staying up late, especially when you have a busy day coming. If you have to watch a movie, play a video game, or check your social media, make sure it doesn’t eat into your sleep time. Adequate sleep recharges your body and mind, readying you for the next day.
3. Take a Break from the News
Regulating what your mind consumes has never been more critical. The news and social media are saturated with coronavirus updates, and taking a break is healthy. Of course, stay informed and aware of what’s happening, but filter what you feed your mind. If you have to, switch off the news and stay away from your phone.
Use the time to either learn a new skill or complete a pending task. Simply put, take some time off to unplug and focus on something else uplifting or soothing.
4. Watch / Read Something Uplifting
With all that’s happening, distracting your mind isn’t the worst idea you can have. So, whether it’s a recommended book that you’ve wanted to read or a soothing show on Netflix, go on and enjoy it. YouTube is also rich in uplifting videos that you can use to fuel your motivation.
5. Stay Active
Staying active is essential for your mental well being. More than any other time, working out will help you improve your sleep quality and reduce stress. Luckily, you can try numerous exercise routines at home, thanks to YouTube and other video streaming apps. Everything from yoga to timed work-out sessions, there’s something for everyone.
Regardless of your schedule, squeeze in a few minutes of exercise. And here comes the good part. If you don’t like exercising, you can walk the dog, jog with your kids as they bike, or ditch the lift for stairs.
In closing, self-care is essential, especially with the forced changes as a result of COVID-19. Whatever you can do to take care of yourself, go on, and fuel your body and mind. Some of these tips don’t require much either other than a few minutes of your time.
