Self Care
I have the COVID blues. Many people I have talked with are experiencing the same: feeling isolated, overwhelmed, frustrated, and generally off-balance. We know that changes to routine and stressors like facing the unknown, living with new rules, and worrying about staying well contribute to changes in mental health. Many professionals I have spoken with have described seeing increased anxiety and depression, marriage and parenting problems, sleep trouble, and general malaise since COVID moved in last March. I personally have been struggling to maintain a positive outlook and sticking with healthy routines. I have noticed increased anxiety as well, especially when going to the grocery store or just about any other place that people tend to gather. I have felt irritable with others when teased or questioned about why I choose to wear a mask and observe social distancing practices.
If you are also struggling during this pandemic, you are not alone. Many of the national agencies associated with substance use and mental health are already seeing an increase in mental wellness problems. Now—more than ever—is time to take care of ourselves.
Self-care is the act of taking care of oneself in order to maintain a feeling of well-being, both physically and mentally. One of my favorite sayings about self-care is “one cannot pour from an empty cup.” Basically we need to keep our own cup full in order to help other fill theirs. Self-care can consist of many activities that help us feel better when we are stressed out.
Here are a few selfcare ideas I have used recently:
Maintain a consistent schedule. Go to bed and wake up at consistent times. Eat healthy meals at the same time each day. Follow daily routines. These things can keep our minds and bodies healthy, and bring a sense of comfort to us in these tumultuous times.
Unplug. Watch less television, scroll through less social media. We can get fatigued from too much bad news. Instead, read something enjoyable, try a new hobby, listen to some fun music, or go for a walk. Find things that help you relax and allow you to take your mind off the discourse we see daily on social media platforms and news outlets.
Reach out to your friends and family. Send a text, make a call, or arrange a safe gathering. I often let friends and family know when I am going to the store and ask if I can bring them anything. We have a quick chat when I drop off items, usually on the porch. I have communicated with friends and family via video conferences and group calls. I have even written a few letters. Maybe plan a small outdoor event or picnic. Find a solution that everyone is comfortable with—you don’t have to ride out this pandemic alone.
Try to remember to stop and breathe once in a while. Sit with yourself in a quiet place, and just take a few deep breaths and re-center. This discomfort and uncertainty will pass.
Get help if you need it. There are self-help meetings available online, just search “selfhelp” online and a plethora of resources will be revealed. Call a professional if you are struggling. Just like you would call a doctor if you had high blood pressure, you can call a therapist for anxiety or depression. There are many community mental health agencies in Western Oklahoma as well as online therapists. A web search will link you to the help you need.
We are all doing our best right now. Be kind to yourselves, and one another.
This is an ongoing series by Sarah Mears-Ivy regarding substance use disorders and the social and legal issues stemming from them. Sarah knows a thing or two about addiction and recovery. Daughter, sister, and friend to many wonderful people who have battled substance use disorder, codependency, and mental health stigma. Survivor. Advocate for those who are not yet ready to fight alone.