The isolation is increasing as we deal with this virus. It seems that as soon as we get a handle on how to live our life it gets worse. It is unprecedented in our lifetime. Our loved ones may remember the previous flu in 1918 or stories about their parents living through it. Ask them…..

In addition to Wear a Mask, Wash Your Hands and Social Distancing rules here are some self-care tips and ideas to consider that a fellow care manager posted (Lisa Moody/JewelCode Corporation):

– Breathe! 

This sounds simple, but we tend to hold our breath or not take deep cleansing breaths when we’re running from place to place. Try the 4-7-8 breathing method. Empty your lungs of air and breathe in quietly through the nose for four seconds. Hold the breath for 7 seconds and exhale forcefully making a whoosh noise for 8 seconds. Repeat this up to four times. Try to do it once every hour. 

– Look far out the window.

If you are working on your computer multiple hours in the day, pause for a few minutes, every hour to look far out your window. Relax your eyes and look as far into the distance as possible. You are usually working out in the field with clients and you may be on your computer more now as you have limitations for contact. Make sure to rest your eyes.

– Journal.

Your days are long and tough, right now. Spend a few minutes at the end of the day to jot down the things that were a struggle, the things you are grateful for, and the things that you don’t want to forget. When you write them down, you can let them go from your mind and relax.

– Laugh.

Watch a funny show or movie, sit around with family and tell “dad jokes,” or watch your animals play. Laughter increases your oxytocin and helps alleviate the weight of the day. It’s okay to laugh during tough times, we are humans. Laughter does not mean we are not taking the situation seriously, it means we are still living our lives.

– Cry.

It’s completely okay to take a bit and let out the emotions that are brimming in your tear ducts. You are going through a lot and a release is your body’s way of letting out frustration, sadness, anger, and other emotions that are overwhelming. It is natural to need a cry now and then.

– Remain hopeful. 

Hope is a beautiful quality humans have! In the worst of times, we can remain hopeful. This is not the first time that humans have gone through desperate times. We make it through, live life, and continue with hope. If this is a struggle, look at the beauty around you, practice random acts of kindness, turn off the media as much as possible, and reach out to others who want to support you.