{"id":1502,"date":"2020-04-06T16:54:20","date_gmt":"2020-04-06T16:54:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/copebetter.com\/?p=1502"},"modified":"2020-04-06T16:54:35","modified_gmt":"2020-04-06T16:54:35","slug":"self-care-tips-to-practice-at-home-while-social-distancing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/copebetter.com\/self-care-tips-to-practice-at-home-while-social-distancing\/","title":{"rendered":"Self-Care Tips to Practice at Home While Social Distancing"},"content":{"rendered":"
Article originally appeared in Redfin at https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/self-care-tips-while-social-distancing<\/a>\/ published on March 30, 2020<\/span><\/span>\u00a0– By\u00a0Emily Huddleston<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n As the world continues to deal with the coronavirus pandemic, health officials are recommending social-distancing and self-quarantine practices to slow the spread of the disease. This means, for the foreseeable future, we\u2019ll be spending a lot more time at home. Our daily routines will shift, we\u2019ll be without the face-to-face social contact that helps keep us feeling connected and positive, and we\u2019ll need to adjust to this new normal.<\/p>\n That\u2019s why now, more than ever before, prioritizing emotional and mental health is so important. Luckily, there are so many things you can do at home to show yourself some love and boost positivity. Not only are these practices a great way to manage anxiety, but they can also help you stay healthy and give your days more structure.<\/p>\n To help you get started, we\u2019ve rounded up some of the best self-care tips from professionals in the self-care and wellness field that you can start practicing today.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n One of the best self-care tips you can follow right now is to be kind to yourself. While there is a lot you can\u2019t control, you can, at the very least, pay attention to your feelings and practice self-compassion.<\/p>\n Try this:<\/strong> Even people who don\u2019t usually struggle with anxiety are experiencing more worry and anxiety now. So, practice self-compassion and don\u2019t be too hard on yourself if you\u2019re experiencing more anxiety than usual. \u2013 Anxiety Canada<\/p>\n While it\u2019s important to remain informed, if you spend your entire day watching and thinking about the news, it creates a mindset of powerlessness and panic. Taking a break from it all can help reduce stress and give your mind room for positive thinking.<\/p>\n Try this:<\/strong> Set a timer on your phone and when it goes off walk away, play with your kids, take a walk outside, play a game, or do a guided meditation. The amount of information we are taking in right now can be overwhelming and counterproductive to making the best choices for ourselves. \u2013 Angela Saeger, Cedar Point Therapy<\/p>\n With so much change, it\u2019s crucial that you try to maintain your routine as best you can. Doing so can give your days more structure, purpose, and hopefully a bit of normalcy.<\/p>\n Try this:<\/strong> Your morning and bedtime routines are particularly important. Get your kids dressed, spend time on schoolwork, play, and connect with loved ones via technology (virtual dinner parties!). \u2013 NW Anxiety Institute<\/p>\n <\/p>\n For most people, anxiety levels are rising as the days go by. However, panicking and stressing provide no protection against this crisis. If anything, doing so makes you more vulnerable. The immune system can\u2019t function at its highest potential when the mind is worrying.<\/p>\n Try this:<\/strong> Other than chocolate and wine, our self-care tip is to go to our website and press our \u201cpanic button.\u201d Don\u2019t worry\u2013no one will show up at your door\u2013it\u2019s just a recording of us talking you through your anxiety. It\u2019s anonymous and free so press away! \u2013 Abs & Mags, The Anxiety Sisters<\/p>\n Find a quiet place for a few minutes to focus on your breath to ground yourself and increase feelings of calm and relaxation. \u2013 Mindful Soul Center for Wellbeing<\/p>\n Several times a day, pause to do some conscious breathing. Relax, be very still, and then silently count out ten slow deep breaths. For that short period, focus your undivided attention on the passage and feel of your in-breath and your out-breath. \u2013 Morgan Dix, Cofounder, About Meditation & the One Mind Podcast<\/p>\n Deep breaths connect us to our whole selves, deliver much-needed oxygen to our cells, and keep us present. Aromatherapy with pure essential oils in addition to mindful breathing is a treat for our respiratory system and can lift the mood. \u2013 Amanda May-Fitzgerald, Owner, Wild at Heart<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Social distancing doesn\u2019t mean you have to lounge around on the couch all day. Moving your body for 30 minutes a day is a great self-care practice to get endorphins flowing and boost energy.<\/p>\n Try this: You can practice self-care and boost alertness by waking up with a meditation or morning stretch. I\u2019ve made it more enjoyable by misting our Wanderlust Room & Linen spray on the yoga mat before practice or around me before I begin a meditation. It\u2019s calming essential oils of organic Lavender and Ylang Ylang. \u2013 Aba T. Gyepi-Garbrah, Aba Love Apothecary<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As the world deals with uncertain times, it can be easy to look at this entire experience negatively. But what if you paused and decided to focus on the positives instead? What if you used this time to be grateful for all the good in your life?<\/p>\n Try this:<\/strong> All of this free time provides the perfect opportunity for introspection. Maybe for years, you\u2019ve wanted to start meditating, or maybe you\u2019ve always wanted to read more. No time is greater than the present to tackle some goals and make changes you\u2019ve always wanted to.<\/p>\n Try this:<\/strong> Use this time of rest as an opportunity to let go. Assess the life you\u2019ve been living and what you would like to change. Start by looking within. How can you declutter your mind, body, AND spirit during this virus? What positive things can you add to your life to help you get through this? \u2013 Kristin Fehrman, Mindful In Style<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Unfortunately, we don\u2019t yet know how to fully prevent or manage the damage caused by the coronavirus. However, this doesn\u2019t mean our efforts are completely hopeless. In addition to staying home, there are a number of simple self-care tips and practices you can incorporate to boost immunity and improve your health.<\/p>\n Try this:<\/strong> Don\u2019t let the fear and panic get under your skin. Every time you worry or surf the net looking for the updates, your cortisol level (stress hormone) goes up, and stress is not your immunity\u2019s best friend. \u2013 Zara Martirosyan, CEO & Founder, inKin Social Fitness Platform<\/p>\n Intervals in the shower between cold and warm temperatures. To boost your immune system do 1-minute warm followed by 15 seconds cold.- Dennis Simsek, The Anxiety Guy<\/p>\n It\u2019s vital to stay connected during this time. Practice this self-care tip by Facetiming with your grandparents or having a virtual dinner party with your friends.<\/p>\n Try this:<\/strong> Realize we are all part of a community and we\u2019re all in this together, from New York City to Sacramento (and everywhere in between). We\u2019ll only come out stronger and more united in the end. Do things to help others in your community who may be in need, who may have difficulties helping themselves.<\/p>\n Try this:<\/strong> Article originally appeared in Redfin at https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/self-care-tips-while-social-distancing\/ published on March 30, 2020\u00a0– By\u00a0Emily Huddleston As the world continues to deal with the coronavirus pandemic, health officials are recommending social-distancing and self-quarantine practices to slow the spread of the disease. This means, for the foreseeable future, we\u2019ll be spending a lot more time at home. Our…<\/p>\nBe kind to yourself<\/h2>\n
\nNo one can figure all this out in one week. Give yourself a little grace and remember you are resilient! \u2013 Martha Rosado, Owner, Anxiety Specialist Counseling Center<\/p>\nLimit information intake and screen time<\/h2>\n
\nIt\u2019s important to put time limits on media exposure to avoid feeling overwhelmed. \u2013 Kevin L. Gyoerkoe, Psy.D, The Anxiety and OCD Treatment Center<\/p>\nCreate and stick to a daily routine<\/h2>\n
\nSchedule your exercise, work, and food at a specific time and it will give you a balanced day. \u2013 Yvonne Phillips, Feng Shui World<\/p>\nReduce stress and anxiety with meditation and deep breathing<\/h2>\n
\nTake care of your nervous system and reduce your anxiety with a practice such as the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) Tapping. EFT Tapping can support you so that your body is able to handle the electrical load of the huge amounts of stress we find ourselves in. I am also sharing a free EFT meditation that anyone can download and practice by themselves. \u2013 Damla Aktekin, Vibrational Healer, A Drop Of Om<\/p>\nDon\u2019t forget to stay active<\/h2>\n
\nAerobic exercise and resistance training are my go-to activities to reduce anxiety levels. There are a ton of free high-quality home workouts on YouTube. One work out will improve your day greatly. \u2013 Salomon Ptasevich, Anxiety Social Net<\/p>\nUse this time to make note of the positives in your life<\/h2>\n
\nThis is a great opportunity to slow down, be present and have gratitude for moments that we oftentimes take for granted, like taking a leisurely walk or having more time with kids, partners or pets. \u2013 Lori O\u2019Mara, LCSW, CST<\/a>, Cope Better Therapy<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\nEvaluate opportunities for self-growth<\/h2>\n
\nThink about what changes you are making that improve your well-being. How can you keep up those habits when the crisis passes? \u2013 New Dream<\/p>\nBoost your immunity<\/h2>\n
\nSea salt baths are a great self-care tip to reduce stress and enhance immunity. They increase mineral levels and lower inflammation. I am also a huge fan of castor oil packs, placed directly on the abdomen or the liver because they pull toxins out of the body and can be done while laying down or relaxing. \u2013 Mindful Health<\/p>\nRemember \u2013 YOU ARE NOT ALONE<\/h2>\n
\nSocial distancing does not mean social isolation. Isolation is highly risky behavior for anyone, especially given the anxiety and fear that has been embedded in the overall social reactivity. Creatively reframe the phrase self-quarantine to safe social connection. \u2013 Barry Pilson, Ph.D.<\/p>\n
\nSome teenagers\/young adults are seeing how they can help the elderly in their neighborhoods with grocery runs, etc.- Dr. Daniel Binus, MD, Beautiful Minds Medical<\/p>\n