Prioritizing Self-Care Even in the Pandemic
What the worlds focus on COVID 19, many people are falling short of taking care of themselves.
Photo by madison lavern on Unsplash
The Covid-19 crisis has forced the entire world to pivot. Some for the better, but also with the lingering thought of what’s next? I don’t know about anyone else, but the unknown gives me anxiety. In times like this, it is so essential to make room for self.
We talk about the woes of being a Black mom and how systemic racism and other things out of our control affect the Black experience, but we don’t often address what is needed to navigate these adversities.
Self-care is not all rainbows, butterflies, and bunnies. It does require inner work that can be difficult and pushes you to be vulnerable. However, the long-term effects of self-care outweigh the discomfort.
For most, the pandemic has brought on a new set of challenges that some have never experienced. Taking care of an entire family is difficult enough at times without all of the uncertainties of this pandemic.
So what are you doing to maintain your peace or find it? Here are some suggestions:
- Schedule some “me time” – I know it’s probably hard to find time to be alone with a new baby or family to take care of, but it will make a huge difference even if it’s only 30 minutes a day.
- Make a list of difficult things from day-to-day and carve out space to slowly eliminate or modify those things to make life easier.
- Read your favorite magazine or book – Reading is an escape. Just think for a few minutes at a time; you get to escape reality into a fantasy world. Sure, you have to return to reality eventually, but a brief escape can be pleasant.
- Give yourself permission to feel – Your feelings are always valid and being strong is not always easy. Don’t worry about how you are perceived.
- Seek professional help – This is often easier said than done, but help is more accessible than you think. Ask your physicians, friends, family members if they know of any good therapists or how to attain therapy. You’d be surprised by your results.
The ways to take care of yourself are endless. It’s all about finding the time. In a world where we don’t know if we will be able to gather with friends and family or have to isolate again, it’s critical to remember that you matter. When you take care of yourself, you can take care of others because you can’t pour from an empty cup. Good luck!