Caring for
Others;
Valuing
Individuals
Daily –
19 + 17 Ways to Care for Yourself and Others – Thoughts from Clarity Mediations©
As a special part of this world, you continue to be in my thoughts and prayers for safe health, calm, patience and intentional self-care. I realize that so many of you are facing stresses and struggles around this time of both physical distancing and close-quarters living, on top of worry about the virus and finances. Please let me offer some ideas (in addition to washing your hands and soothing them with hand-cream) to consider as we all navigate this time of uncertainty.
Resist internalizing any perceived pressure to “do” more than you wish/can (including many of the following ideas). There is a sense of helplessness that many are experiencing. Taking good care of yourself and those nearby as we follow the CDC and WHO guidelines is doing something good, highly needed and valuable. Rest in that. It is enough. If able/desire, other things to consider: COVID-19+ Ways to Care for Yourself and Others – Thoughts from Clarity Mediations©:
Accept that you are having the some of the same fears as the people you are near, whether they are your family members, friends, colleagues, neighbors or others for whom you care. Name your fears to help tame them.
Acknowledge your fears and know that alongside fear is anxiety. Know that what helps counter anxiety is action. The actions and attitudes you take may include:
Keeping a schedule to your day. Routine is grounding. Allow some spontaneity on “days off.”
If working from home (WFH) or still at your normal work venue, get up every half-hour or as often as possible to stretch, walk through your home or immediate workplace area as safe, take a drink of water (it is important to stay hydrated to minimize risk of other infections), and look outside: We are one part of a larger world to which we are all connected in love and suffering.
Allowing yourself to be outside as your tolerance for the weather permits. Breathe in the scents of the season.
Talking to friends/family by phone to connect; walk as you talk, and take a break from screen time.
Finding one thing (if you can find three – power to you!) to appreciate about your day. Share them with a friend, family member or a journal before going to sleep. If you have children at home, ask them to do the same and all share at the dinner table.
Seeking out humor. In the comics, on TV, in books, on social platforms. Share what made you laugh! It relieves stress and becomes positively contagious!
Learning something new. Check websites for classes in drawing and other art forms, language, history, composting and _____ (fill in your secret learning-yearning).
Eating a balanced diet and permitting some comfort food or special treats in moderation. Savor each bite and give thanks to the countless people who made that meal possible from seed to table.
Exercising with formal and informal home-equipment, including stairs, cans of soup (for weights), use of video classes or tutorials for yoga, tai-chi, core and strength-building, cardio-vascular health and more.
Checking in on (i.e. calling) your neighbors. Offer to include their needs in your next grocery run or grocery home-delivery order.
Singing in the shower or to your partner or to your children, – or to your neighbors if you’ve been inspired by those in Italy on their balconies. Rejoice in whatever deserves to be celebrated.
Caring for your indoor and outdoor plants. Center yourself in nature and reciprocity with the earth.
Writing down your dreams and how you felt in them as soon as you awaken to deepen self-awareness.
Cleaning and/or organizing. There is a cathartic effect and it gets you out of “head space”.
Making at least one meal “special” each week. Whether by trying a new recipe, lighting candles, using heirloom dishes, putting on soft country music or opera (or___), dressing up, eating while video-connected to a distant friend or relative as they too dine, picnicking on the floor… Let your imagination soar… And if you have children at home, let them take turns “creating” the theme for your special meals. Find and affirm the good in their suggestions.
Centering yourself with calming breaths, making sure you exhale to a longer count than you inhale. For example: Breath in to a slow count of 3; breathe out to a slow count of 5.
Taking an extra moment to listen to someone who is lonely and affirm what they are feeling.
Asking others what one thing they are grateful for today. This helps people to get out of a negativity cycle, to look for the good in their day, their surroundings, and in their lives. Gratefulness yields “great full-ness” to our days!
Uttering a caught-in-the-throat or lodged down-deep apology – sincerely. This can greatly release negative energy, transforming it to creative energy which can be used for things you enjoy!
Reading a new or old favorite book. Read out loud to someone else. Use different voices.
Letting some things go… Now is a good time to separate what is necessary from that which is not. That goes for what transpires in relationships, too. Remember, nearly everyone has heightened anxiety right now. How it manifests takes different forms for different people. Stay mindful of how yours does and be accountable for when it does. Align your priorities with your core values.
If someone else’s behavior threatens your well-being, call 911 or 211, or Lifeline at 585-275-5151.
Extending a warm and kind word to soothe another person’s fears.
Respecting others’ fears as their lived experience. Honor them with your attention and compassion.
Smiling! A smile is a non-physical touch that says, “I see you.” “We are interconnected.”
Learning or reviewing and renewing mindfulness practices. Choose a new one to practice. Deepen those which are familiar. Meditate, breathe, pray.
Staying current with emerging science-based information about the pandemic, safety and current events while limiting your exposure to the news media.
Remembering what got you through other hard times. Thinking about how you might bring those skills to this day will increase your own sense of calm and personal agency.
Be curious about how people around you – young and old – handled other tough times they went through. This helps them connect to their inner resources and may help you to glean new ways to increase strength and resilience.
Sharing what you can give, be it resources of time, skills, money, advocacy, or other physical items or personal care and attention to people and organizations that are working to heal other lives.
Appreciating how your body serves you right now, noticing your own abilities, and how well your heart, mind organs, veins and arteries are working together in harmony.
Listen to your body and heart. They have wisdom – take heed. Have self-compassion. Be kind and compassionate to others, too. It elevates our own sense of well-being.
Know it’s OK to feel many seemingly contradictory emotions, alongside grief. Allow it to be OK for others, too, trusting that they are doing their best to cope with fears of death, loneliness, anger, sadness, disappointment and worry. Seek help if any one of your emotions feels too out of balance.
With deep care and wishes for peace within and around you,
Gail