Depending on where you live, your community could be at any stage of “opening up” after the coronavirus shutdown. And depending on your health or your opinions, you may not be comfortable with what’s going on. While our world remains in a state of insecurity regarding the virus, your goal should be to maintain self-care in order to stay healthy – physically, psychologically, and emotionally.
What is self-care?
Self-care refers to a person’s deliberate efforts to care for one’s mental, emotional, and physical health. “Self-care” does not mean “selfish” – quite the opposite, in fact. Good self-care not only balances emotions, reduces anxiety, and keeps our bodies strong, it also keeps our relationships strong because we are emotionally capable of maintaining healthy friendships and family bonds.
Therefore, good self-care is particularly critical in times of stress, such as this time of societal, economic, and political upheaval.
Taking care of yourself
Self-care basics remain the same regardless of what is going on in your life and in the world. Things such as getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, exercising moderately, and practicing meditation or prayer are the foundations of health upon which everything else is built. These should be your priority.
Some other aspects of self-care to build upon the foundation as we open up from COVID lockdowns to consider are:
- Avoid information overload: know what’s going on in the world but don’t spend too much time on it
- Focus on kindness and thankfulness; practice positive self-talk
- Maintain your routine to create stability in an unstable time
- Help your community by buying local or supporting local charity drives, food banks, etc.
- Schedule relaxation time
- Find new ways to get out of the house that fit your comfort level
- Learn something new
- Focus on what you can control: for instance, visit locations where social distancing is easy
- Gradually expand your comfort zone, dipping your toe into new situations as you become more comfortable
Defining boundaries
You need connections, now more than ever. But you also need to be comfortable with the level of connection during this uncertain time. This is an important part of self-care as we open up.
Your boundaries should be based on your comfort level. Take the time to think through what you’re comfortable with. How do you feel about wearing masks inside or outside? How do you feel about hugging or standing near family or friends? What forms of travel are you comfortable with? How do you feel about the COVID vaccinations?
Try to define these and explain them to yourself. The goal of reviewing your reasons is so that you can understand them in order to discuss them with people who are close to you who may have a different opinion.
Take some time to talk through your position with these important people in your life. You should both come to the conversation with the goal of listening to each other’s opinions respectfully. State at the beginning of the conversation that regardless of your differences, you care for each other and will continue to care for each other, even though you have different opinions on this issue. Listen, acknowledge their point of view, then share yours. You can maintain your position without losing the relationship.
If you just don’t feel comfortable visiting in person with someone close to you, acknowledge sincerely that you know it might hurt them and you are very sorry. But work together to find ways to maintain a connection.
There are many fun new traditions you can begin in order to keep the relationships emotionally close even when you can’t be physically close. Maybe play games via Zoom, or even watch a movie together in your separate homes, both make popcorn and share reactions to the show. Your options are limited only by your imagination, so find creative ways to stay close.
Keep in mind, this time is temporary. Things will get better, they always do. Be willing and ready to allow your comfort level to grow as situations change. If your anxiety persists, consider professional help with navigating and balancing your feelings as the world returns to normal.