Self Care During A Pandemic
Accessible Self-Care During A Pandemic
Self-care looks different for every person. Sometimes people talk about self care like there is a “right” way to do it, but there really is only what is right for you. It is about doing what feels good for your mind, body and soul. Caring for yourself can take a million different forms, it just takes a little trial and error finding how you want to show yourself care in these moments of your life, and recognizing that it may take different forms as you grow and circumstances change. During this stressful time in the world, it can be easy to let self-care fall to the wayside on our list of priorities. To try and help us bring some of the focus back onto taking care of ourselves, I have laid out a number of ways you can show yourself some love this quarantine season.
Gratitude journal
Keeping a gratitude journal can be very helpful in staying grounded when it may feel like so many things are out of your control. A gratitude journal can take whatever form that works best for you. Once a week before I go to bed, I like to write down a list of 8 things (8 is my favorite number) that I feel grateful for. It doesn't have to be a list of big impactful things in your life, though it very well can be. Sometimes it's the color of a flower you saw on a walk, or the chords from a part of your favorite song. It is simply a time to reflect on the things in your day that can go overlooked, but you want to bring attention to for yourself.
Drawing
This is not only for the artistically gifted! Drawing can be incredibly relaxing, as it can take concentration, silencing your busy mind to focus on the task at hand - drawing a cute little bunny! Or whatever it may be that you want to draw. It is not about drawing the perfect picture, but rather allowing yourself to do something that feels good for your mind and not caring about the value of the end product.
Singing
Sing like nobody's listening, even if they are! Music is a language we all understand and be so healing to the heart and mind. Make playlists for your different moods, create the soundtrack to your life, and don't forget to sing along to every word!
Cooking
Nothing is more comforting than your favorite foods! Treat yourself to the joy of making food for yourself and loved ones. Food is a great way to spread love and smiles! Even if this is just making a cup of tea for yourself before bed, it is a great way to redirect some of the love you spread every day back towards yourself! You deserve your love just as much as everyone else.
Gardening
You don't need a huge yard to be a gardener! Get a little cactus from the grocery store and keep it on your window sill. Making sure to water it every week is a good way to keep up a routine and by taking care of something else, it will remind you to do the same for yourself.
Organizing/cleaning
I'll admit, I’m the worst at sticking to this one. But once I do it, I feel so much better! Cleaning your room and the spaces you spend time in can truly change your whole mood. Even if you do one section at a time, getting rid of the clutter around you can help clear the clutter in your mind! You don't have to clean the whole house in one day, just take it day by day and do what feels good for you!
Putting on your favorite fancy outfit
Get dressed up for yourself! Put on whatever clothes make you feel your best and go strut in front of the mirror for yourself! It's always an instant confidence boost, and now you're ready to take on the rest of your day like the capable and fearless inspiration you are!
Facetime friends/have a virtual game night
Even though we can’t see our friends in person like we used to, doesn't mean the fun has to stop! Set up a Zoom meeting with a bunch of friends and have a game night! It can be a made up game, an online game or just time to joke around with some friends. Staying as connected as possible is important in taking care of ourselves and our relationships!
Meditate
Take time to reconnect with yourself. It can be easy to get caught up in the whirlwind that is our lives, especially during such a stressful time as a pandemic. It is as important as ever to make sure that we are taking time to check in with ourselves, assessing how we are feeling physically and mentally, and respecting those feelings through our reactions to them. Keep in mind, meditation doesn't have to mean sitting in silence for an hour practicing breathing. There are hundreds of ways to meditate, so look around and see what kind of meditation works best for you!
Exercise/moment that feels good for your body
Exercise doesn’t have to mean going to the gym and lifting weights. Exercise can be whatever movements feel good for you and your body - stretching, yoga, walking, dancing, etc. Make it accessible for your body and your needs, and most importantly, make it something you enjoy doing!
Letting the people you care about know that you are thinking of them
Sometimes self-care can mean doing something for the people you care about that, in turn, puts your mind at ease and makes you smile. It can be as simple as sending a text to a friend the next time you see a book that reminds you of them, letting them know you are thinking about them. There’s nothing like knowing you have been on someone’s mind to let you know you are never alone, even in quarantine.
Watch our webinar
Already watched everything on Netflix, Hulu and Disney+ ? Well, you can join us and watch our upcoming webinars! As a part of The World Of Rare Disease series, this July 13th at 5pm, we are hosting Anna Laurent, a young rare disease patient who currently serves as the Head of Programs & Initiatives for Our Odyssey, a rare disease non-profit organization for young people. This show will look at Our Odyssey and share more about the organization with our viewers.
Write your legislators
Write your legislators if you live in Massachusetts telling them why the Act To Create A Massachusetts Rare Disease Advisory Council is important to you as a constituent and why you think they should vote for it. RDLA has pre-written letters you can send to your legislators, all you have to do is sign your name and add a personal story if you would like.
Self-care can take a million different forms, it just depends on what is most helpful for you. Remember to set aside time to be kind to yourself, it can be easy to forget, especially during such an overwhelming time in the world’s history. For information on support groups and places to outreach for more help, please visit our resources tab.