For Parents

Clearly, there are no easy answers when it comes to self-care, but you can take a number of steps to improve your daily outlook, including sticking to a daily schedule, learning something new and adjusting your expectations.

Stick to a schedule. The abrupt, total loss of rhythm in our days left many of us feeling adrift. Consider a schedule for weekdays and one for weekends – hour by hour each day. Alternate high intensity activities with rests or diversions.

• Shorten durations. We have less energy in general, and the focus we used to have al for self-discipline is now directed at survival—sanitizing and safe living. So let yourself do things in smaller doses when that’s helpful.

• Limit exposure to news coverage and social media, particularly graphic or emotionally laden content. Choose a couple of trusted sites for the content you need, and let that be enough. We need to be able to read as many positive stories as heavy or negative ones, or it just isn’t helpful. 

• Create some rituals for connecting to what sustains you. What anchors you? Look for ways to connect with like-minded souls.

• Express gratitude, which creates a healthy mind and boosts immune response. Consider journaling about gratitude every evening. Try to focus your first morning thoughts one thing you’re grateful for.

• Laugh. We know that it changes the biochemistry of our brains and boosts immunity. We all need that right now.

• Learn something new, especially something artistic. Don’t expect to do it well; just let it take you to a different head space.

• Get enough sleep. And try to have a good sleep schedule. Don’t stay up too late.

• Eliminate stressors. Examine what you have to do and see if there are stressors you can eliminate. If you have been going into grocery stores, would it be less stressful to have them delivered or do curbside pick-up?  

• Adjust your expectations. We are all going to have to do that over and over again as the crisis continues to unfold.