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It’s been a while since my last post, so much is going on in NYC. Let’s face it we are all experiencing uncertain hard times, it’s been a very stressful time for many of us. As a first responder, I’ve been faced with many challenges but during this pandemic and everything else going on, it has been a game-changer for me and my family. I’ve lost co-workers, family, and friends to this illness that we still have many questions and no answer. As a mom, I also have to make sure my child remote learning goes as scheduled along with everything else while I keep my sanity. While this is a stressful time, I wanted to share a self-care routine for the long haul during self-isolation we can practice.
As many states started to slowly open up, I can’t help but think that things will never be the same. As many states re-opened, recent “uptick” in coronavirus infections are increasing. I’m still skeptical about going to places once they open when there are still no answers to many questions to this virus. One important thing I’ve learned during this difficult time is to practice self-care. I believe self-care practices can help us cope with isolation and stress while it keeps us feeling our best for the long haul. We can all use a little de-stressing in our lives. As we try to manage the uncertainty we have to build our wellness and maintain sanity to move forward. It is not easy coping with a public health emergency as we still don’t know when our life will go back to normal again if it will.
As for many of us especially New York City we began a four-phase reopening process in the coming weeks as many states already are in advance phases for re-opening. As other states slowly re-opened it’s encouraging that we will continue to practice social distancing and much precaution. This new adjustment is part of the new norm that we just have to follow to stay safe and flatten the curve of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
Self-Care Routine
I work best when I create a routine. I can’t stress this enough how important it is to set up a routine for you and your family. Everything around us is changing every day, some days we’ll feel overwhelmed and others we’ll fall into a funk. However, don’t fall into the trap of intensifying your adjustment process by overlooking the things that are consistent. Whether you’ve been or are alone in self-isolation or with your family you have to try to make things as normal as you can with some minor set back. As a mom, we have to consider strategies that have worked in the past that we can still transfer during this difficult time. If you haven’t already set up a routine.
Fitness
It’s normal to feel stressed and overwhelmed during a public health emergency, just know we are all in this together. Once the gyms open up, don’t know about you, but I won’t feel comfortable going to one there are too many unknown variables and risks to properly workout safely. If you haven’t already, now is the perfect time to set up a home gym for your fitness goals. You don’t need expensive gym equipment to get a full-body workout. You can set up a home gym with basic equipment, dumbbells, kettlebell, resistance bands, loops bands, jump rope, and a stability ball. Some people eat out of stress it’s a normal feeling, especially during difficult times during a public health emergency. You need to stick to a well-balanced diet and not comfort food or unhealthy snacks. Create a fitness routine that will work for you. Eat healthy food, take vitamins and supplements, drink plenty of water, exercise, and get a well-rested night’s sleep. It’s important that you get into habits to maintain good health.
Mental Health
Self-isolation can be hard on many of us especially during these uncertain hard times, make sure you reach out to your loved one to see if they are ok. Alcohol sales have been up, during the pandemic, PLEASE !!!! avoid harmful behavior such as alcohol abuse or drugs. If you are struggling with alcohol abuse click here or drugs click here, they are helpful sites with hotline support 24/07. You don’t need to go through this alone, they are there for you every step of the way. If you need to talk to someone call a friend and talk. As a first responder, I’m a witness of how much domestic violence has risen during the pandemic. As many of us have been locked in our home with our family so are the victims. If you or anyone you know is a victim of Domestic Violence please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for help and guidance. You are not alone and they will help you.
Relax Your Mind
I know with all that’s going on the last thing on your mind is relaxation. But there are some situations that are out of our control, so we have no choice but to take things day by day. No matter how much you try to tune out the news, Covid-19, and everything else going on at the same time, limit yourself to watching the news. Not necessarily avoiding it completely pick a time slot to just watch it for that hour and that’s it. If you’ve been glued since everything all started, it is time to limit yourself to just a time slot. One thing I find relaxing is cuddling on my couch, with either cup of tea or glass of wine and just unwinding listening to music.
Yoga & Meditation
Think about doing Yoga or Meditation is an amazing practice you can start doing. Yoga and meditation are excellent ways to manage your stress level and encourages you to relax, lowers your blood pressure, reduces stress. You’ve been dying to start meditation or yoga, treat yourself to a starter meditation kit, or a yoga Set. It is a great way to start practicing meditation or yoga.
Give Yourself Spa Treatment
It’s been more than two months since the stay-at-home orders took effect and if you haven’t done so, turn your bathtub into a spa-like haven of tranquility with a bubble bath. Transform your bathtub and give yourself a spa treatment with a bath pillow, bath bombs, light a scented candle and a glass of wine (if you like wine). Just let your mind unwind while you’re enjoying a spa type bath.
Skincare Routine
Now is a great time to start a skincare routine. A mom always on the go with so much on what we have to do on a daily basis we forget to take care of us especially our skin. It is very important that you maintain a skincare routine, stress and anxiety can cause your skin to break out. We don’t want that, so step up your skincare routine.
Adult Coloring
There is such a thing as adult coloring. Coloring always brought me joy, I love to color with my son and I find it so relaxing. Enjoy and relax your mind with adult coloring books or an adult signature art and took kits. Think back when was the last time you colored? 😉 These are great fun ways to really relax your mind.
Writing
Start a journal, and express your thoughts and feelings. It’s an amazing practice that serves so many different purposes especially for improving one’s mental health. It’s a perfect tool that will help you alleviate anxiety and stress. It will also allow you to achieve your goals while you express your thoughts.
Reading
When was the last time you actually read a book? Exactly this is the perfect time to start reading books like you use to. But with the library and book stores closed, the closest we’re going to get is with the waterproof Kindle paper White. Get comfy on your sofa with your blanket and read. You can download all the books into the device and is just as if you are reading an actual book. One of my favorite authors is James Patterson with his ” Alex Cross ” and ” The Women’s Murder Club” series. Once you start reading his series it will be hard to put it down. A friend recommended the book ” Resilience” to check it out and enjoy a quiet morning or evening of reading.
Praying
As the coronavirus (COVID-19) still continues to spread, although in some places the curves continue to flatten, many of us have turned into prayers. Start your day with a prayer, whichever your religious beliefs are starting your day with positive words of the lord or a daily bible verse will make your day go smoother.
Aromatherapy
Whether you love to light scented candles or diffusers, to alter your mood this is a must. When I had a rough day at work, I love to light a scented candle. It helps me unwind and it gives me peace.
Movie Night
Perfect time to catch up on all your DVR recordings of your favorite show or a movie. However, if you are up to date with your shows, make it a solo movie night. You can go from Sex and The City to the Wrong Missy, on Netflix.
Sleep
With everyone’s stress level up the roof, many people are having trouble sleeping during these challenging times. There is a lot of uncertainty about what the future holds, in which it has affected all aspects of our lives, including lack of sleep. As many countries worldwide have been on lockdown many have been feeling anxious and isolated and it affecting their sleep. Our bodies need sufficient sleep in order to function. Make sure you get your 8+ hours of sleep.
Self Care Mini Bundle 2020
I was so thrilled to find out that the team at Ultimate Bundles created a new 2020 edition of the Self Care Mini Bundle, so I definitively had to share.
Inside this bundle, you’ll learn how to:
- Manage your mood and emotions
- Create luxurious beauty products
- Get clear, glowing skin
- Build a fashionable, functional wardrobe that works for your everyday life
- Balance your hormones and shed stubborn pounds
The Self Care Mini Bundle includes 22 resources intended to help your nourish your soul and help you feel your best. At just $29.99. It’s such an affordable way to invest in yourself and help you meet your 2020 goals (if such goals include taking better care of yourself!). You can live your life with less stress and more joy. Which will be a blessing to you, your family, and everyone you come in contact with. So don’t listen to the inner critic who makes you feel guilty about investing in yourself. When you’re at your best, everyone wins. Check out the Self Care Mini Bundle here:
We are living uncertain times, I know it’s hard to cope, but I learned that some things are just out of our control. I Hope with my post, it can help you practice self-care for the long haul. How have you coped during the pandemic? What did you do to practice self-care? Love to hear all about it, leave a comment below.
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