As we enter into the 8th month of the COVID-19 pandemic there may be some new or increasing feelings. You may feel anxious about what will happen next, is it COVID or the flu? Did I wash my hands before I ate those chips? You may feel stress about if you are protecting yourself, or why that guy is walking into the store without a mask on! You may also be understandably angry about the fact that you are stuck in the house and if you do go out, your breathing will be so restricted by a mask that you can’t enjoy yourself. You may also feel feeling physical symptoms such as headache, muscle tension, fatigue, or not being able to get a good night’s rest. If this is true, it may be time for some self-care. 

Understanding that self-care if not selfish and is necessary at times to be the best you are very important. Here are some ways you can incorporate self-care into your daily life.

• Eat a healthy well-balanced diet and make sure you are drinking enough water. This water calculator estimates how much water you should be drinking based on your weight and age.
• Get some fresh air to improve your energy and mental focus.
• Exercise daily to release feel-good hormones in your brain and improve your mood. Here are 8 exercises for stress relief.
• Make a routine for home. Try to wake up and go to bed around the same time every day.
• Find ways to get involved in your community, such as helping an older neighbor get their groceries or donating supplies to local organizations. 
• Listen to music or curl up with a good book.
• Take a break from social media and the news.
• Stay in touch regularly with loved ones so that you have something to look forward to.
• Focus on things that you can control. You cannot control this virus alone. What you can control is how you let it affect you.

-Sybil Austin-McDowell