Self-Care In a Time of Crisis
How do we practice self-care during a time that feels especially challenging? Often when we are in overwhelm or uncertainty, it can feel counter-intuitive and even indulgent to allow for “me time”, but it is truly during these times that you need it. Whether you are worried about losing your job, behind on payments, nursing a loved one back to health, or just anxious about the state of the world and your place in it, nothing should come in the way of creating some space each day to slow down, check in with yourself, and do something kind for YOU.
(Now currently many of us are in quarantine on the West Coast for the Shelter In Place order for Covid-19. With this, many of our options are more limited than before, when going to the gym or on a bike ride with a friend was how we would both create community and take care of our mind, body, and spirit. So we’ve tweaked this article to focus specifically on things you can do alone now, but that can expand to be social once the social distancing restrictions are lifted.)
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FRESH AIR. Such a simple thing we most often take for granted, but one easy way to lift your spirits is to take a moment, set down your phone or laptop (or both!) and get outdoors. Take a walk (while you can! Practicing social distancing of course at this time), sit on your balcony or fire escape, or just open a window and let the breeze blow in. According to Rebecca Taylor, a wellbeing advisor at Kent-Teach, fresh air improves your immune system, heart rate, mood, blood pressure, digestion, and cleans your lungs.
JOURNALING, SCRAPBOOKS VISION BOARDS: Take some time for personal reflection. How are you currently responding to the changes in your life? What is impacting you in the world and how are you reacting to it? What do you appreciate in your life? Are there things you want to change, learn, share, experience? Write it all down. Cut out pictures in magazines that inspire you, or dig out all the old mementos you have saved from special moments in your life and make a collage, vision board, scrapbook. Get creative and indulge in some crafty fun. Or just pour your heart out in a notebook until you feel a deeper sense of peace. Many therapists recommend to write in a journal daily as a way to clear your mind, let go of anxieties or upsets, and to purge the clutter of the mind to create space for greater self-awareness and presence.
READ A BOOK. A great way to get some perspective and to challenge your beliefs, your perceptions, your true depth of knowledge is to pick up a book and teach yourself something new. Of course we do recommend blogs, audible books, and even a good inspirational film, but dedicating time and committing to completing a book, whether that be for wisdom or inspo, really is a gift to self. In 6 Science-Backed Reasons To Go Read A Book Right Now (via huffpost.com), Laura Schocker revealed that of 1,000 people surveyed, about 1/3 of those people had not read a book in the last year. She further explains that reading books can help you maintain a sharp brain, be more empathetic, have better sleep, and even ease depression. Why not put this theory to the test, and go flip open that book you’ve been procrastinating reading;: No better time than now.
Book Recommendations (all available on Audible or for purchase online at barnesandnobel.com):
Maybe You Should Talk To Someone - Lori Gottlieb
A Fierce Heart: Finding Strength, Courage, and Wisdom in Any Moment - Spring Washam
Becoming - Michelle Obama
Wake Up To What Matters: A Guide to Tibetan Buddhism for the Next Generation - Avikrita Vajra Sakya
An American Marriage - Tayari Jones
Wild - Cheryl Strayed
YOGA & MEDITATION : Y&M have gone from hot buzz words to the norm in recent years with practice becoming so popularized that they are offered in many work, school, and even vacation environments. Tuning in and grounding down have allowed more people to manage their ever-increasing life demands. Taking a daily pause to be present with oneself, whether that is sitting counting breaths or activating a crow pose, is one of the best ways to create clarity and balance.
Recommended Books on Mindfulness:
Relax and Be Aware: Mindfulness Meditations for Clarity…by Doug McGill and Sayadaw U Tejaniya
The Miracle of Mindfulness by Thich Nhat Hanh
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“Be conscious of yourself as consciousness alone, watch all the thoughts come and go. Come to the conclusion, by direct experience, that you are really consciousness itself, not its ephemeral contents.”
EAT WELL : Pack your plate with colorful fruits and vegetables, and with this extra time at home learn some new recipes. There are so many ways to be creative in the kitchen, and bond with a loved one over meals either at home or over the internet. Start a cookbook club, share recipes with friends, or even document your progress and get a Youtube channel going. Bottom line is, “you are what you eat,” so who doesn’t want to be a rainbow?
Recommended Cookbooks:
Ketotarian: The (Mostly) Plant-Based Plan to Burn Fat, Boost Your Energy, Crush Your Cravings, and Calm Inflammation - Will Cole
Clean Plate: Eat, Heal, and Reset - Gwenyth Paltrow
Well + Good: 100 Recipes +Expert Advice for Better Living
True Roots - Kristin Cavallari
“Connecting with others gives us a sense of inclusion, connection, interaction, safety, and community. Your vibe attracts your tribe, so if you want to attract positive and healthy relationships, be one! Staying connected and getting reconnected feeds the flow of goodness which empowers our humanity.”
Currently, we are in unprecedented modern times. Many of us forced to bunker down at home as we prepare for the influx of Covid-19 cases to rise exponentially, are finding it becoming increasingly more challenging to determine how to connect with others. Dinner parties and extensive gatherings, even trail walks and evening get togethers, are all off the table at the moment. For those who are sheltering in place with family or roommates, use this time to really appreciate having that physical connection with others. Some people currently do not have that. When your family is driving you crazy, because you are all up in each other’s grills, take some time to yourself. Even if you need to climb out on the fire escape to take some meditative deep breaths, or huddle in the laundry room for an hour to read a chapter of a book, YOU TIME is necessary. And for those who are overwhelmed with too much time to self, there are many creative ways to still find closeness and connection. Here are some examples:
Adopt a Pet (ASPCA is trying to find more homes than ever for pets during this time.)
Join a virtual dance class (we love Yeni Lucero’s class. More info on Instagram @yenilucero)
Create a happy hour meet up with friends on Zoom. Dress up for the occassion!
Facetime a friend or relative you have not connected with in a long time. Their smile will be priceless!
Find a new online forum to join. Connect with strangers about common interests, concerns, or life hacks.
Whatever it is that you do, do not be afraid to try something new. This is a time to be creative, and to show fear who is boss. By putting yourself out there, you show others new ways to connect, and increase the vibration in your community. Be the light! Shine bright! And above all, take care of yourself! Wishing you all a lot of health and happiness for yourself and your loved ones. Stay safe, friends!
Brittany Tilleman