Has it really been about a year since Covid-19 changed our lives forever? On top of being widowed, naturally losing the threads of support one has, due to the understandable fear of Covid, has been the 2nd most anxiety inducing period of my life. Having special needs toddlers regress without proper therapies and socialization at preschool made me feel absolutely completely hopeless for the first time in my life. The institutions we loved from theater to restaurants were taken away out of necessity. Life had become one tragedy after another in record time.
Now that it's January 2021, I can't say life has improved since covid numbers are off the charts, but at least the vaccine is rolling out. In the meantime, while I wait my turn for the vaccine along with everyone else, I am reminded that self-care can help me keep my sanity.
Pandemic Self-Care Checklist:
Acknowledge the loss of "the way things were."
Fuel your body with healthy food.
Exercise in or around your home.
Prioritize Sleep.
Practice Gratitude.
Set an allotted time to focus on the news media.
Enjoy socially distancing in nature.
Volunteer.
Play with your kids.
Use technology like zoom or clubhouse to socialize.
Check in with old friends.
Wash daily.
Re-watch favorite shows and find new ones.
Do one thing that makes you feel good like reading or listening to your favorite podcast.
Take a drive.
Speak with your mental health provider regularly.
Start a new hobby or modify an old one.
Avoid risky or destructive behaviors, such as abusing alcohol or drugs, excessive gambling or ignoring public health recommendations.
Give yourself and others grace.