1. Be kind…
To yourself, to others. COVID-19 is effecting the entire world in a myriad of ways. Emotions are high and they are hitting us all differently. Many people are having a hard time processing their feelings and that is okay. Let them. And more importantly let yourself be vulnerable. The unknown is scary as fuck. Like, really scary. So honor your feelings, allow yourself time to process, and know that others are feeling the exact same way. Some of us need more time than others and that’s okay too. We are all in this together.
2. Productivity is not a badge of honor.
All of the sudden there is this huge push to GET. THINGS. DONE! And honestly, I’m over it. I started this period of quarantine with the mindset of ‘I am going to work out hard every day and my diet is going to be perfect because I have so much time to meal prep and track my macros and I am going to clean my entire house and I am going to learn new skills and I’m going to...I’m going to...I’m going to…’ and then I hit a wall. Our culture is obsessed with productivity and if we have free time we feel obligated to fill it with tasks. And if we don’t accomplish said tasks we feel like failures. It’s bullshit. Does it feel good to tackle everything on a checklist? Absolutely! But right now, it’s okay to just chill. Hang out. Spend time with your loved ones. Play board games. Binge watch a show. Take a nap. Take two naps. The whole world has been forced to slow down so you can too.
3. Movement
Remember that commercial in the early 2000s for Cymbalta that said ‘depression hurts’? It’s true. Anxiety and depression effect our bodies mentally and physically. Right now, you may only have enough strength to hibernate in your depression cave and the thought of exercise in any form is painful. As I said before that is completely okay! However, it is important to try and emerge to take some time every day and move your body, even if you’re not feelin’ it. I’m not saying you have to go HAM but even if you just stretch for 15 minutes or go for a walk - movement helps release endorphins and alleviate some of the anxiety and stress you may be feeling. I know it’s hard, but you’ll feel better afterward, I promise.
4. Connection
We are social creatures who thrive on deep, meaningful connections with one another. Feeling seen, heard, and validated make us safe and whole. So use this time to check in with your loved ones. Shoot a quick text or email and let them know you’re thinking of them. Set up a Zoom or Skype call. My husband has reconnected with several friends who he hasn’t seen or talked to in a long time and now they are having weekly Zoom dates! I have watched a few movies with friends via FaceTime (with wine and snacks of course!). Just remember that we are all in different places emotionally so don’t be offended or upset if you don’t get a response right away. I’d go out on a limb and say that receiving a little love note will help to lift the spirits of someone who is struggling.
4. Self Care
If you want to start a new skincare regimen and jade roll your face into oblivion, by all means roll away. In fact, I picked up a few new products from Target that I am excited to try and have definitely done a face mask or two. What I really mean by self care is honoring your body and taking care of it as best you can. Drink water. Remember to eat and nourish your body (as someone who has struggled with a lifelong eating disorder I have for sure been triggered). Read. Journal. Color (adult coloring pages are my jam - shoot me an email if you want me to send you a few funny pages!). Try and do at least one thing a day to honor yourself.
5. Practice gratitude.
Our lives having been put on pause. Most of us are nervous about the future - so many unanswered questions: What is my job situation going to look like? Will I be able to pay my bills in the next several months? Etc. etc. etc. Believe me, it’s hard NOT to spiral. My business has come to a screeching halt and I’m not sure when my next event will happen. I’m scared, y’all. HOWEVER! (A big BUT!) Things could always be worse. I challenge you to check your privilege. Think about all of the things that you still have. Think about the people who are fighting for their lives and their families. Think about the people who have lost their lives and their families. Think about the essential workers who are risking their health and safety for us. Think about, think about, think about…and be grateful for what you DO have. I said to my mom the other day, ‘how lucky are we to have a roof, food, and each other?’ And I meant it. As shitty as this all is, practice gratitude. Challenge yourself to list three things you are grateful every day. I’ll go first…
Today I am grateful for:
- My health and safety.
- Fresh coffee every morning.
- Kitty cat cuddles.
Now it’s your turn…
Stay healthy, stay safe, stay sane, and never feel ashamed of who you are or how you’re feeling!
xo
Alana
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