The current COVID-19 pandemic has inarguably affected almost every aspect of our daily lives. Millions of people are now working from home, and millions of kids are learning remotely to slow the spread of the virus. The many changes we are all facing right now are certainly trying, but they are also necessary to keep other people safe. We are all being asked to live in a new normal and do our part for the good of everyone. While these goals are admirable and critical, they are easier said than done. The ongoing pandemic has taken a toll on everyone, and adjusting to the new usual way of life is challenging. Between adjusting to remote work, managing remote learning for kids, a lack of physical interaction, and overall worries, it can be easy to feel burnt out. During these stressful and unprecedented times, we must remember to take care of ourselves while doing our part for other people. Do not forget to practice self-care during these trying times as you do not want to come out on the other side of this pandemic, having neglected yourself for months on end.
Mental Health
While the current COVID-19 pandemic is primarily focused on physical health, you must not forget mental health. Being physically sick is everyone’s primary concern right now, but neglecting your mental health will create growing issues that could last beyond our current pandemic. Managing your mental health is different than taking cold medication or sleeping it off. Self-care is part of mental health care, and when self-care is not enough, it is time to look for professional help.
Self-care can include a wide variety of things. Setting aside an hour so you can take a long bath and read a book is a form of self-care, but so is going to bed early or working out. Self-care is personal, and what helps you might not be sufficient for someone else. Think about what helps you relax and feel better, then incorporate those things into your routine. Self-care is not selfish. Taking care of yourself enables you to help others because if you are too burned out to care for yourself, how are you going to care for others properly?
Self-care is a therapeutic practice, but it is not always enough. When you cannot manage your mental health alone, it is time to turn to a professional. Talking to a professional therapist can help tremendously. A licensed therapist is trained to help you with your mental health using well-established methods, patient-driven payment model, and specialty knowledge to help you work through your problems and manage your mental health in everyday life. Most therapists are using secure telehealth services for sessions so that you can talk with a therapist from the comfort of your own home.
Physical Health and Self-Care
Our overall health is all connected. Mental health is linked to physical health; all of our bodily systems work together, and neglecting one affects the others. Home isolation can make it hard to work out, but regular exercise helps your entire body stay in top shape. Stress eating is a normal response, but manage what food you are putting in your body. Try to eat a healthy and organic diet that lacks processed or overly sugary foods. Sleep is another critical component of self-care and overall health. Strive for eight hours of sleep every night so you can fully recover after each day.
Also, make sure to pamper yourself. Sit down with a good book, take a long bath, meditate, watch a movie, focus on your skincare and beauty routine, try new products, dye your hair with organic hair dyes, or do anything else that helps you relax and decompress. Self-care is not selfish and is actually an essential part of your wellbeing.
Work-Life Balance
While working from home, be careful with overwork. Just because you don’t have to commute or travel doesn’t mean you must now work more to compensate. Do not overwork yourself and add to your stress in these already stressful times. Your own well-being matters more than working 50+ hours a week. Create a new schedule, so you know when to turn off work for the day. Creating a work-life balance is not an easy task, but it is essential in managing your health during this pandemic.
We are facing challenges no one saw coming, and no one was prepared for. The pandemic has put all of us under extra stress as we adapt to our new normal. Self-care is critical to weathering this storm. Practicing self-care involves your mental and physical health. Take care of yourself with stress breaks, a healthy diet, regular exercise, and a schedule to maintain a work-life balance. If things feel like too much to handle, reach out to a professional for more tailored help. By ensuring we all practice self-care, we can all make it through this pandemic.
*Disclaimer: TMC was not paid for this guest post by Naomi Shaw. Opinions are 100% that of the guest post author. Affiliate links are used.
