Hi all,
Happy Easter and Spring Renewal.
Our current situation is not how we’re used to celebrating this day and yet, maybe in some way, this forced solitude is what we need. Still, it can be challenging for all of us to deal with the emotions that are coming up. Maybe we could ignore them or push them away in the past, but now they’re right there wanting us to be with them. I’m grateful that I’ve been able to work with some of my clients through distance work on the phone and helped them unwind many of the emotions that feel stuck in their bodies.
In addition, I feel lucky to live in California where we have our own surgeon general who has prioritized emotional well-being and stress relief during this crisis.
The California Surgeon General has a simple guidewith things you can do every day, at home, to help support your mental and physical health, utilizing six key strategies:
- Supportive relationships: Maintain supportive relationships wherever you can, including virtually.
- Exercise: Engage in 60 minutes of physical activity every day, if you can. It doesn’t have to be all at one time.
- Sleep: Get sufficient, high-quality sleep. This may be particularly hard right now, but going to sleep and waking up at the same time each day can help.
- Nutrition: Ensure you are getting proper nutrition to help combat stress.
- Mental health support: Resources available here.
- Mindfulness: Practice mindfulness in whatever way works best for you. This could be things like meditation, yoga, or prayer for 20 minutes, two times a day.
Learn more in the California Surgeon General’s Playbook: Stress Relief during COVID-19. (PDF)