Self-Care During COVID-19

Aug 28, 2020

Things can feel overwhelming during COVID-19 due to new information, odd work hours, loss of employment, social distnacing, and providing care for your family and yourself. Its a lot. This is a stressful time for many people in Wichita and around the nation. You are not alone.

It’s important to pause frequently throughout the day and collect your thoughts. Remaining calm can help.

It is normal to feel stressed or overwhelmed during uncertain times. Emotions in response to uncertainty may include anxiety, fear, anger and sadness. You also could feel helpless, discouraged and, occasionally, out of control. You may experience headaches, muscle tension, fatigue and sleeplessness.

Taking care of yourself is important so you are equipped to help yourself and your loved ones through this time.

Tips For Taking Care Of Yourself

Take Care Of Your Physical Self

• Fuel your body properly by eating a healthy, well-balanced diet and drinking plenty of water.
• Aim to get seven to eight hours of sleep each night.
• Exercise every day.
• Take deep breaths and stretch often.
• Avoid risky or destructive behaviors, such as abusing alcohol or drugs, or ignoring public health recommendations.
• Spend time outside, such as going for a walk around your neighborhood while following social distancing guidelines.

Take Care Of Your Mental Health

• Set and maintain a routine at home.
• Focus on things you can control.
• Use technology to maintain social connections with your loved ones. Consider a regular Zoom meeting with friends to give you something to look forward to.
• Focus your thoughts on the present and things to be grateful for today.
• Listen to music or read books.
• Consume reliable news sources that report facts, and avoid media that sensationalizes emotions. Limit your exposure or take a break from news and social media if you find that it makes you anxious.
• Lean on your personal beliefs and faith for support.
• Look for ways to help your community, such as checking on older people in your neighborhood, or donating supplies or money to local organizations.
• Acknowledge and appreciate what others are doing to help you and your community.

Yoga During COVID-19

Yoga is a wonderful way to provide yourself with both a physical activity and mindfulness. Not only can it increase your flexibility and strength, it can provide relief from stress, reduce anxiety, and helps promote a healthier sleep at night.

There are a multitude of yoga instructors posting free lessons on site like YouTube including 5-minute sessions to do at your desk for beginners or longer sessions for advanced participants.

Here is an intermediate lesson you can do at home today.

Speak With A Behavioral Health Specialist

If you are feeling overwhelmed, stressed, anxious, or losing control; we are here to help. Our behavioral health team is here to speak with you and to help during this tumultuous time. We can speak with you about anxiety, depression, post-partum depression, marriage issues, children’s therapy and more. We can conduct appointments in-person or via telehealth from the comfort of your own home.

We are here for you. You are not alone.