If you find yourself struggling with the uncertainty and changes caused by COVID-19 and social distancing, all of our counselors are experienced with telehealth and accepting new clients. Tim is also offering a weekly Social Distance Processing Group online for a discounted price.
As we have heard a few people say, "the world is really loud right now", and the message is generally more anxiety causing than beneficial. Limit your social media intake right now. It is for your mental health. What you do need right now to stay home and stay sane is to make sure that you exercise, eat well, hydrate, sleep, socialize, and get some sunlight.
Exercise: The gym is closed, but the sidewalks and roads in your neighborhood are not. There are so many options for online workouts. Don't let your step count drop.
Eat Well: Snacking and grazing may be easy, but it doesn't mean it is your best option. Your stress is probably craving fat and sugar and crunchy things right now, but consider how you can reach for those without the cookies, chips, and brownies right now. For more on why we crave these things click here. Eating well is about eating foods with nutrients: produce and protein especially
Hydrate: Drink water. The only exception to this might be if you are running low on toilet paper, but we know you’re all stocked up
Sunlight: Water and sun - you’re basically a house plant with more complicated emotions. Go outside, sit by a window, soak up the sun whenever you can
Sleep: Whatever time you’ve gained by eliminating your commute can be dedicated to sleep. Your body needs 8-10 hours of sleep to function well. When you don’t get enough sleep, you eat more, are more irritable, and eventually you start hallucinating.
Socialize: Social distance is not social isolation. Call your grandmother. FaceTime your friends. My friends introduced me to new video chat apps. I also highly recommend cards and board games with your housemates. Spend time with your people and your pets and avoid distracting yourself through media.
