Self-Care Tips Amidst a Pandemic

It might be hard to think past the fear of what the virus could do to your physical health, but it is important to think of your mental health.

Taking care of yourself is more important now than ever.

Here are some self-care tips & suggestions on how to do just that:

Spend some time outside or take a walk: While this may sound like it's targeted at your physical health, endorphins released during physical activity also target your mental health. Spending some time in the fresh air and sunshine can do wonders to enhance your mood. Whether it’s going to the forest preserve or taking a few laps around your block, just get out there and do it.

“You don’t have to struggle in silence.”

Phone a friend: In the age of technology, not being able to see someone in person doesn’t mean not being able to see them! Pick up your phone. Call or FaceTime that friend you haven’t had the time to see. Life gets hectic, but being home is a good excuse to reconnect. And, as Demi Lovato says, "You don’t have to struggle in silence.” Online therapy is another great option, especially if you’re not ready for face to face sessions yet.

Do morning yoga: Yoga is a great way to start your day. It’s been known to not only increase your flexibility, but also to decrease stress and increase sleep quality. Starting your day off on a positive note makes it more likely to continue positively. No time in the morning? Considering doing it before bed to help you relax. There are plenty of free videos on YouTube or apps that will help guide you through a flow for both the novice and experienced.

Do a home workout: Yoga isn’t for everyone. Although there are free yoga sources, there are also free exercise apps and videos. The idea of going to a gym can be very intimidating, pandemic or not. Learning how to workout at home requires minimal equipment: just yourself (and potentially weights if you want more of a challenge).

Start journaling: Things are weird right now. Writing down what you feel can be a useful strategy to process it. Maybe you’ll never look back at what you wrote, but getting it on paper was a positive outlet in the moment. Maybe you’ll look at it years from now and really appreciate where life has taken you. In the meantime, writing can help boost your memory and may even inspire creativity.

Get ready for the day: “I’m not going anywhere, why should I get ready?” There are many reasons. This tip seem like silly advice, but it can make a world of difference in how you feel. Look good feel good, right? Put mascara on. Paint your nails. Do anything to make yourself feel more “ready”, even if it’s just to go about your day of watching TV and sitting on the couch. Who knows, maybe someone will take our advice and video chat you unexpectedly!

Educate yourself: With the virus came many free educational resources including classes from Harvard University. There is so much going on in the world right now and it’s important to stay up-to-date.

Read a book – for fun!: Taking online classes isn’t for everyone. Books are a great way to learn something, but they're also a great way to find simple enjoyment. If you’re not into reading, find a free audio book online. You can listen to it while you do things around the house or while you’re driving to run errands.

And remember, it’s okay to take a break from social media. It can be overwhelming at times. Just take the information at your own pace, and do what feels best for you.