Making Time for Yourself During a Global Crisis
By Kaitlyn Hughes
This past year has been one that the world will never forget. It has been a year of immense pain, suffering, and hope. Despite the small steps we have made, we have endured some unimaginable stressors both personally and globally. Although it may be starting to feel as if we are beginning to enter the light, it is important to remember to care for ourselves physically and emotionally as we go forward. These practices remain just as crucial to our sense of contentment and inner peace now as they did at the beginning of the pandemic.
Looking back on what life was like last March and April, I realize that as a country, it seemed like we were doing a great job at caring for ourselves and others. Although we were experiencing such high levels of stress, we were making an effort to show ourselves and others love. Just think about it, how many people were outside going on daily walks or bike rides with their family? How many virtual cocktail hours did you attend in order to feel a sense of connection with your friends? And that was just what I experienced in the U.S. In other countries there were countless other examples, among the most memorable were the quarantined Italians who were singing in unison from their balconies. However, this all began to change as time went on and we began to lose hope of the return to normal life. As the self-care activities started to decrease, our cabin fever, restlessness, and in some cases, our loneliness began to settle in, and we began to experience Covid fatigue.
Regardless of the Covid fatigue we are experiencing, and the decline in cases across the country, Covid-19 continues to spread and threaten the lives of our friends and family. These thoughts can be anxiety-provoking, which is why it is crucial that we work to feel healthy both physically and emotionally. So, here are some of the things that I have tried to incorporate into my life no matter how hectic and stressful it feels in the moment:
1. Exercise.
If I’m being honest, I’m not the most in shape person you will ever meet, not even close. However, quarantine has made me realize that when I am stuck at home sitting on my couch –whether I’m working from home or just hanging out—I feel so low energy. However, I have found that starting off my day with some kind of exercise (for me it’s just a walk with my dog), leaves me with the energy to stay motivated. Plus, getting outside and soaking up some Vitamin D gives me a more positive outlook on the day.
2. Self-Care Night.
One of the most classic ways to take care of yourself is to find time to let go and relax. And let’s face it, a bath, facemask and Netflix are always a good idea (you might as well pick up your favorite mask from melaninmagek.com while you’re at it). Not only are the masks great for your skin, but the bath helps relax those tense muscles.
3. Pick Up a Book.
Reading has been my absolute favorite way to relax for as long as I can remember. Ever since I was a child, I would use reading as an escape from the stressors in my life. Anytime I was feeling anxious or upset, I would go to my room and open up a book. Getting lost in a book can connect you to the stories of others or simply offer a distraction from what’s going on out in the world. This practice has done me wonders during this pandemic and has rekindled my love for stories.
4. Try Taking Up Art.
Prior to this pandemic, I would not have considered myself an artist, and maybe I still don’t, but I have found a lot of peace and comfort in creating art during this crisis. Although I’m not the best at art, for me, it’s less about painting something amazing and more about being creative and allowing myself to spend time in the quiet without the hustle and bustle of the world around me. If you’re stuck and don’t know where to start don’t worry about it; I started by ordering a paint by numbers and an adult coloring book online and eventually started playing around with watercolors and acrylic paints. And if you can’t think of anything to draw or paint, look up examples for inspiration, I still don’t come up with my own original ideas. You can do whatever you want as long as it’s relaxing.
5. Communicate with Friends/Family.
Last but certainly not least, communicate. In whatever way you so choose. Remember, no matter how isolating this pandemic may feel, we are all in this together. It’s okay to reach out to friends and family just to catch up and feel some sort of social connection. In fact, it’s not only okay, but also encouraged. For some people, this will continue to be virtual happy hours, but as things continue to open up in public, it may mean meeting up with friends and family in small groups. Although I have been writing about the importance of taking time for yourself, it is equally important to surround yourself with love and support. Listen to yourself and what is best for you, but don’t accept isolation. Humans need other humans.