By Madison Silva
With the state of California currently under a “shelter in place” mandate and the rest of the country taking similar measures to flatten the curve, we all could do with some self-care in these challenging times.
Prioritizing our mental health and providing ourselves with a semblance of structure as we go about each day is key. Showing concern and care for ourselves, as well as one another, is how we can stay sane in the face of uncertainty. As you jump back into your studies and projects, Art U News is sharing our recommendations on how to practice self-care.
Structure
Get dressed for the day as if you were leaving the house. Make your coffee or tea and eat breakfast. Maintain as much of your usual routine as you can. Utilize your planner, schedule time for studying, and make plans with friends via Zoom or FaceTime. Keeping a day-to-day schedule will help with daily functioning and productivity.
Community
We’re all missing someone right now, whether it’s a family member, a partner, or friends. We’re all doing our part to stay healthy and keep our loved ones safe. Although we cannot see our community in person, there are myriad ways to stay connected during this time. FaceTime, Zoom, Skype, or Google Hangouts can provide us with a sense of community, even through a screen. Try making a phone call, sending a letter or a text. During this social isolation, remember not to isolate yourself from support.
Exercise
Some form of daily exercise is important for keeping a clear and balanced mind. Consider taking a solo walk around the block or finding an online yoga session with your roommates. There are a handful of ways we can give our bodies that necessary movement while practicing social distancing.
Create
Whether you’re making a meal for your household or a piece of art, stay in the practice of creating something every day. Try to make something each day, no matter how small; it could be a batch of cookies, a journal entry, or even a project. There is always an opportunity to create something.
Breathe
There are various ways to practice self-care, but of one the best things we can do for ourselves is to just breathe. Remember to stop and take a deep breath when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Close your eyes and count to 10. Getting back in touch with our breath is how we get back in touch with ourselves.