When someone says the words “self-care,” our minds often go to an elaborate skincare routine or taking a break from work or school to relax with a movie. Self-care is an important concept that has almost taken on the meaning of coming at your life with a very relaxed approach. While it can be stress-reducing, and skincare and movie breaks can help with overall mental health, we need to redefine what self-care means in the age of COVID. Normally our lives are fast-paced, filled with work, school, family, and other obligations that can seem almost suffocating. It makes complete sense that the idea of self-care would be directly related to slowing down and taking time to focus on yourself. To be clear, this is still a very important aspect of mental health. However, since the coronavirus has completely changed the scope of our lives, having them no longer revolve around a consistent schedule, there is an element of uncertainty that paints every day. While making time to focus on slowing down, reducing stress, and examining our own needs remains a large part of healthy wellbeing, that element of uncertainty is a massive cause of stress. Even though it was fun for a while to not have to get up for work or go to a certain class on time, in the long run, not having structure can be detrimental to our mental health.
Self-care in the time of coronavirus means staying on top of the activities that allow you to function at your best. Having a consistent schedule or structure is so important because oftentimes one activity leads you to do so many others. For example, getting up for classes in the morning used to mean getting up at a certain time, getting dressed and ready for the day, eating breakfast, and leaving the house. However, now with asynchronous classes that can be taken whenever from the comfort of your own bed, all of those activities that benefited your mental health are gone. So, while that fast-paced lifestyle is on hold, it is important to keep up with those activities to keep your mental health strong. Here are a few ways to keep up with self-care during these uncertain times.
- Going Outside
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Going outside and getting some fresh air is one of the first things doctors and therapists suggest to those suffering from depression and anxiety. I know it can seem almost insulting that something so insignificant could help with something so overwhelming, but spending some time outside each day is proven to help improve mood and reduce stress.
- Exercising
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Exercise is a great way to boost endorphins, lower stress, and stay healthy, mentally and physically. If you are not comfortable going back to the gym, there are plenty of ways to get moving on your own. Look for nature trails to hike, bike, or run if your aim is to get outside. If that isn’t an option for you, there are multiple YouTube channels with free tutorials on yoga, HIIT, boxing, Zumba, or just about any exercise you can imagine to be completed right from your room.
- Exploring Hobbies
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Finding it hard to make time for something that’s not school or work? Schedule a time each week for your hobbies. Set a time in your calendar that is specifically dedicated to something you enjoy. Reading, writing, drawing, anything creative helps. Browse through online tutorials of new recipes to try or pull up Netflix to follow along to a Bob Ross video. This is a great opportunity to not only continue to develop your passions but to discover new ones as well.
- Eating Right
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Oftentimes a consistent schedule dictates when it is time to eat, but without that schedule, many of us end up not eating a single thing until 4 pm or forgetting to drink water until it is already time for bed. Set reminders to eat three meals a day and be sure to stay hydrated in between.
- Meeting Friends
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With everyone’s schedules being so different nowadays, many people find that they want to see their friends, but they just keep missing each other. Set a standing date with your friends each week to do something fun, whether watching a movie over Netflix Party or getting dinner from your favorite restaurant. Knowing when the next time you will see them will be can provide a great sense of comfort.
- Pursuing Therapy
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This has been a time of immense stress, loss, and confusion. Asking for help in sorting through your feelings is a tremendous step in the right direction for your mental health. If you were in therapy or counseling before the pandemic, reach back out to your provider. While some are not seeing patients in person, many are still offering online appointments through Zoom. If you are interested in starting therapy or counseling but don’t know where to start during the pandemic, there are lots of resources to help. Getting counseling through Virginia Tech is always an option, but if you are looking for something outside of the school, call your insurance provider and ask for a list of which providers they cover in your area. Then call those offices to see who is taking new patients and discuss a remote treatment plan.
- Making a Pact
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If you’re like me, you might like some of these ideas but find it hard to hold yourself accountable. Reach out to a friend who is also looking to stay on top of things and make a pact to keep each other on track. Whether updating each other on your progress, having a standing date, or simply keeping each other in the loop, having a support system can be incredibly helpful. Currently, a friend and I have an Instagram account where we each post one thing each day that we did to better our health for the other to see. It is just between us, but having that motivation to keep each other accountable has made it much easier to stay on track.
All in all, self-care is about maintaining habits that keep you healthy and happy. While that might look a little different during the coronavirus, it is up to you to define what you need and what the best way is to carry it out safely. Whether your life is currently slow or fast-paced, just taking time out of every day to make sure that you are meeting your own needs is progress towards a better tomorrow.
