It doesn’t matter where you look, the frightening reality of COVID-19 is something that you cannot turn a blind eye from. It has managed to pull us all out from our comfortable, auto-pilot, go-to routines, and change the course of how we live our lives in what felt like minutes. So how have you been holding up? How are you?
I’ve come up with three A’s to serve as your guidelines for days you simply need a bit of guidance on how to cope and practice self-care within the comforts of your home.
ACCEPT: Some of us may have been used to heading out to the salon to get our nails or hair done and while that’s something we have to let go for now, it doesn’t mean we can no longer enjoy the things we used to do to relax. Accept the changes unveiling before our eyes. Acceptance is oftentimes half the battle. It is also easy, too easy, to be too comfortable with lounging in the whole day. If you want to boost productivity, get up, take a shower, change your clothes, maybe even swipe on your favorite lipstick!
Doing all these can help prepare you for your day as it cuts the “I am asleep” fabric and boosts motivation. Give your work the same amount of dignity like you used to in the office. Help your body adjust by caring for it. You’ve got to remember; self-care is more than Netflix or massages. It is something you can curate around your current needs.
Accept that there are things about the people and happenings around you that are beyond your control. Choose your battles wisely, you do not have to engage on each of them. Sometimes, the best thing you can do for yourself is to let it go. Be protective of your energy.
ASSUME NOT A-S-S-U-M-E: Be mindful of how this word is spelled. My husband would say, “Assuming makes an ass of (yo)u and me.” Assume not that the people around you know about what’s running through your head. Assume not that your actions are elaborate enough for them to make out what you’re feeling. Assume not that they know, simply because they know you. Assume not that everybody would know your personal state. Verbalize it and let them hear to understand. It leaves very little room for unnecessary conflict as not doing so would turn it to a terrible rendition of the game charades.
AFFIRM: To affirm is to give something a big yes. If you see a loved one do something good, let them know. Appreciate the good in them. If you see something you don’t like, try to look for the good, chances are there is always something to celebrate.
Remember, nobody can save you from this, only you. – WITH PAU DE VERA