4 Simple Ways to Practice Self-Care While Social Distancing

Self-care: a word we hear so often it has almost lost its meaning. As I’m writing this, we’re in the middle of the COVID-19 shelter in place protocol and, honestly, it’s a time that I would have thought self-care would be the thing I needed least. I’m home all day, in my happy place. I can stay in comfy clothes, and I can read and do puzzles whenever I’m not working.

The reality is very different. Going into work every day set a very definite line of when I had to function and when I didn’t, and my home is the place where I didn’t have to function. Now, my mind is having a hard time accepting that I need work in a space that I set up as a relaxing haven, and I’m sure I’m not alone.

I’m definitely still working my way through this, but after four weeks of working from home, here are some simple ways of taking care of myself that have helped me and can also be applied outside of this unprecedented situation that we are in these days.

1. Outside time: I live in an upstairs apartment that doesn’t have any outdoor space. Making the effort to go for a quick walk at some point during the day can change my entire outlook. I luckily live near some small neighborhood parks and am able to spend some time under some trees. I encourage you to get yourself outside and take some deep breaths as you walk around your block or simply sit in your backyard.
2. Morning showers: Basic, I know, but the difference between days that I shower first thing in the morning and the days that I don’t is staggering. Work is easier, I’m in a better mood, and everything seems much more doable. Most self-care articles mention taking baths, and while I am a huge fan, baths help me relax at the end of the day while showers help me feel like I’m getting ready for something. They switch my mind on.
3. Connecting with friends and family: Oh, human connection. While I naturally keep to myself, the need to reach out to my community is much stronger in these days of isolation. I’m on work video calls all day, but they’re not the same. I make an effort to FaceTime someone in my family or friend group daily and talk about something other than the situation we’re in. Seeing their faces and hearing their voices reminds me that I’m not alone.
4. One sentence a day: Journaling has been hard for me latelyT. My morning pages have fallen aside. Instead of forcing myself to do something that feels difficult, I allow myself one sentence at the end of each day. One sentence to describe what I did and how I felt. I type it into the notes on my phone before I go to bed, but I have a pen and journal on stand-by for when I’m ready to pick those up again. It helps clear my mind before the next day.

These four simple things have helped me to move through the crisis. I’m not perfect – there are days where I don’t take a shower or I forget to do my sentence. But, on the days that I do, I can feel my mental state heal and be more prepared to tackle the work I have to do. They help set me up to function within my home, and that’s really all that I can ask for right now.

Wishing everyone peace, health, and strength,