Self-Care During a Pandemic

Written by Alyson Flint

Self-care: it’s probably the last thing on your mind right now, and that’s okay. Most likely, you’ve never encountered a pandemic before. This is your first time experiencing the non-stop influx of everchanging information, new day-by-day health rules and advice, and ever-growing panic. It’s a lot… especially if you already struggle with anxiety or depression. Heck, it’s a lot if you’re the calmest and non-alarmed person in the world. We already live in an age of information overload and adding a pandemic on top of that can feel relentless. Now, let’s break it down scientifically.

Our brains live in a state of awareness, waiting for the next piece of information about our surroundings and safety. Each news article or alert is like a spike of cortisol telling our nervous system to fire up. If our nervous system is constantly set on go we can’t focus as well, be as present in our lives, and (you guessed it) it weakens our immune system. So, where do we go from here? Knowing that self-care is health care, we not only should make time but prioritize taking care of ourselves.

What is self-care? First off, the magazines and Pinterest blogs don’t have it all figured out. It’s not all yoga and bubble baths. Self-care looks different for everyone and can be whatever relaxes or strikes joy in you. Maybe that’s hiking a trail or playing video games. Maybe it’s making plans with friends…or canceling them. Sometimes it’s hard self-work, looking within and reflecting…other times it’s curling up on the couch and totally zoning out to your favorite show. The question of “what should I do?” can only be answered in your own heart because what works for someone else may be the opposite of what you need. You know yourself best. All that really matters is that you do it. Below I’ve listed some ideas to get you started. Happy caring!

• Journaling

• Mindful breathing (especially good if you’re working)

• Plan a date with a friend

• Take yourself out to coffee

• Read a good book

• Watch a funny movie

• Attend a virtual worship service

• Go on a nature walk

• Take a technology break

• Volunteer for your favorite cause

• Bake your favorite sweet

• Reach out to an old friend

• Fix a warm drink and mindfully drink it

• Put on music and dance like no one is watching