Interesting Things!

I wanted to take some time to share my experience and some tips/ tricks to staying healthy mentally and physically through this time.  

What is happening in the world is a bit scary and overwhelming.  It’s upsetting that schools, jobs, restaurants and sports are all closed and cancelled due to this. It is easy to lean into the fear of all of it and run out to go buy all the paper  goods that you can or driving to three stores just to get some eggs. I remember this similar experience when I lived in Manhattan and Hurricane Sandy hit, leaving us in the dark for over a week because I was an RA at college and we couldn’t go home. I remember being so scare and so anxious that I slept on the floor underneath my bed the whole time (being terrified of the dark also didn’t really help me). I remember being so anxious that I made myself sick. I remember the feeling of panic that Manhattan would always be this way and we would never get the lights turned back on.  Yes of course these situations are incredibly different, and there are many people who actually never experienced that hurricane and have no idea what I am speaking about. I can tell you though that the feelings are real, but at the end of the day most of it is fear. 

I am not sure if maybe my experience with this massive hurricane that wiped out most of New York and New Jersey prepared me for the Coronavirus, but I must say I feel like I am experiencing this moment a lot differently than most. Naturally my anxiety is high for the “what could happen” but there is a part of me that is not a part of the fear at all.  This may be a result of working in mental health care and hospitals not closing, meaning that I am going to work. I am taking the train daily, I even took a yoga class Monday! My personal structure is completely in place for this reason, I think going to work is actually a helpful thing during this time. Of course all of the work our studios are closed and my artist residency got postponed for now, but I have been trying to figure out the best way to remain in my life fully. 

Nevertheless, I have been thinking a lot about the structure in our lives and how important it is. As a therapist, I preach this concept. Too much down time is good for no one. I think it is important to keep the routine in your life as much as possible. With the down time that you may have, it is most important to implement a self care routine into your life! This could actually help you in the long run because the routine won’t stop because the Coronavirus is over! I think it’s important to take care of ourselves and also be kind to those around us.  

Here’s some of my thoughts on how to get through these next few weeks. 

-If you are working from home, get up and get dressed like you were going to work. If you always wear a suit to work, maybe pretend it’s casual Friday 

-Go outside. I have read lots of research on this that states that going outside is actually SUPER helpful at this time. They also say running is recommended and it’s super nice because a lot less people are outside so you can run in the bike lanes (hehe) 

-Pick up a new hobby/ do a craft.  There have absolutely been things that you have been putting off until you “had the time.” NOW

IS THE TIME!! Go tie dye those tea towels or learn to crochet. This whole blog is also about staying home and making something, so have at it!! 

-Keep your workout routine. Many places are doing virtual which has been great. If

you are not able to do virtual, the Nike Training Club App is a total god send and has many work outs that are super awesome. 

-Schedule something to do at home each night. It can be super hard to be stuck at home all day and not really being able to do something at night. KC and I have been cooking dinner together and watching movies that we have never seen before. It is very fun!

Lastly try to have some fun and relax. Make yourself a nice breakfast each morning, drink a cup of coffee. Position your working space

do you can look out the window. Take a few deep breaths every day. This does not have to be a time in your life where everything is terrible and you are completely full of fear. This can be a time where you lean to slow down and take time for yourself. It will all be okay in the end, because if it is not okay then it is not the end. 

XOXO