Self-Care Tips for Uncertain Times

COVID-19 has swept around the world making it even more evident how interconnected we are. Although we are all in this together, the pandemic has hit some more than others. Many are at risk of going bankrupt or having to relinquish their business due to long term closures. Many are in a place of uncertainty, not sure what the future will bring or when we will return to "normal", and what that new "normal" may look like.

Sitting in uncertainty is not a comfortable place to be and can have detrimental effects on one's mental health and well-being. Not only are we in uncertainty but there is a sense of fear and isolation in the air as we try to distance ourselves from those around us. Families and friends have been divided, diminishing our support network and limiting access to the things that helped us with our health and happiness.
This drastic change has forced many businesses and professionals to find new and innovative ways of continuing to stay in the market. Some business have been able to adapt. With the use of technology, they have made the move to work remotely and online. This ability to continue to move forward in new creative ways is a sign of innovation, vulnerability, and resilience.

Resilience may look different for different people and be specific to one's circumstances. Here are some self-care tips that can help you navigate this uncertain time in a way that will promote greater growth and well-being.

Compassion:
Compassion is one of the greatest things you can give yourself and others during this time. As the collective anxiety increases the ability to be compassionate and connect to our True self will diminish. We will be swept up in "fight or flight" and begin to go over all the worst-case scenarios. Notice this pattern and instead choose compassion and trust. This will pass and you will survive it.
Focus on what you do have instead of what you don't have. When we focus on everything we cannot do, and spend too much time running over worst-case scenarios, we put ourselves into a state of anxiety and stress. This excessive worry will not solve your problems but actually make it harder to think innovatively and notice your strengths and options. Focusing instead on what you can do while staying safe will promote greater flexibility and resilience.

It is good to plan for the worst, but if there is nothing you can do then let it go and be present with compassion.

You have survived everything that came before and you will survive this too.

Relax:
The collective sense of anxiety, fear, and uncertainty is felt within all our minds and bodies. It is important to recognize this and take time to relax your mind and body. Anxiety and worry are linked to your "fight or flight" sympathetic nervous system. Staying in this system for too long is detrimental to your health and will also stop you from getting sleep at night.
Spend some time each day doing something that brings you out of "fight or flight" and into your "rest and digest" parasympathetic nervous system. 

This can include, yoga, stretching, guided meditations, doing art, finding your flow, deep belly breaths, having a bath, being present.

Exercise: 

Another key tool for your health and well-being is exercise. This does not have to be extreme but moving your body is so important. It will help you move out some of the emotions you may be feeling and help you to reset.

"Motion Move Emotions"

You can go for a walk outside, put on a 10 minute or longer YouTube workout or yoga class. Get a skipping rope, do squats while you cook in the kitchen. However you want to do it is okay but make sure you are moving your body!

Gratitude:
Practicing gratitude has been proven to boost your well-being. Our brains are wired to focus on what is a threat or not working due to our "negativity bias" that has evolved to keep us safe. Often though, we hyper-focus on the negative, and it only causes us stress and anxiety. We need to consciously balance out our brains by noticing what is going well and what we are thankful for.
Creativity: When you allow yourself to be creative you connect to your true self! Creativity takes some vulnerability but opens the door to new innovative ideas. Allow yourself some time to think outside of the box when you are trying to problem solve!

Also, picking up some hobbies such as knitting, painting, drawing, or music can help you connect to your creative parts. Connecting to our creativity, even if we feel we are not "good" at it, is good for us.

Connect:
Although we need to keep our distance from people this does not mean we should disconnect. It is important to still maintain your connection to your social support network. Technology is a great tool for this. Have a zoom party or use FaceTime. If you have never used these before, now is a great time to start! We need other people to maintain our health and well-being because we are wired for connection.

Meaning and Purpose: 

Many people during this time may feel they have lost touch with the things that bring them a sense of meaning and purpose in their everyday life. Businesses closed, people lost their jobs, activities and travel plans were cancelled. This can bring up feelings of grief, depression, and lack of motivation. You may feel lost and unsure of who you are as these new feelings arise. This is a normal reaction to the abnormal circumstances we are all living in. Make room for these feelings and witness them with compassion.
Remind yourself that things change, and this too shall pass.

Focus on the things you can do that bring you a sense of purpose and meaning. The things you are grateful for in your life that bring you a sense of joy, peace and love.

Also, take time to think about what you want your life to look like? Where do you see yourself going in the future? What do you want to accomplish? Dig deeper into who you truly are and what you truly want out of this life.

As humans, we are always searching for meaning. When we can find meaning in our life we no longer suffer even if we are not "happy". when we find our true purpose and have meaning we are happy, and we are able to endure anything.