The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has raised everyone’s stress and anxiety levels. There is so much we don’t know about this outbreak, and we don’t see any clear finish line for all this. Many of us are under Enhanced Community Quarantine, and the strict new rules affect our daily lives in so many ways, causing feelings of isolation, boredom, anxiety, stress, and panic.
In times of uncertainty and confusion, we deal with our personal stresses while also making sure we give our best care to the ones closest to us. At this time, more than ever, it’s important that we don’t forget to take good care of ourselves as well. As the saying goes, “You can’t give what you don’t have.” Prioritize self-care, so you can give your best care to the people you love. Self-care is still the best care.
Here are some self-care tips you can do as you #StayAtHome:
In this post:
1. Take care of your body.
Getting through this crisis means you have to maintain optimum levels of health and energy. Practice good hygiene, make time to exercise regularly, and get plenty of sleep. Make sure you eat healthy, well-balanced meals.
2. Express yourself.
Every day, take a few minutes to tune in to your feelings. Acknowledge your thoughts and how you really feel. Remember that it’s okay to not be okay. Find a way to express what you’re going through. Whether it’s putting pen to paper or going digital, try to keep a journal to help you cope with your feelings. You can also use different formats — words, songs, videos, or art projects. Find the format that works best for you, and do it.
3. Stay informed.
The feeling of missing information may cause added stress and anxiety. Watch, listen or read the news for updates from reliable sources. Be aware, however, that there may be fake news and fearmongering attempts out there, especially on social media. Make sure to validate your sources and turn to trusted sources of updates and information.
4. Avoid too much exposure to the news.
It can easily be overwhelming to see, read, or hear about the pandemic all the time. Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories. Turn off your radio, TV, and social media once in a while. If you work from home, return to “normal life” as much as possible and check for updates between breaks.
5. Take breaks.
Take deep breaths, stretch, meditate, or take a short walk (around your house if you’re under enhanced community quarantine). Try to do activities you usually enjoy. Catch up on your reading list, binge-watch your favorite show on Netflix, bake, or just spend a couple more hours in bed. You don’t necessarily have to be “productive” all the time. Rest.
6. Connect with others.
7. Seek help when needed.
If the stress and anxiety impact activities of your daily life for several days or weeks, you may need a professional to speak with. Contact the National Center for Mental Health hotlines: 0917-899-USAP (8727) or 989-USAP (8727).
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