Now more than ever, it is important for everyone to take care of their well-being, both physically and emotionally. The COVID-19 pandemic, which began spreading globally earlier this year, has been a source of a lot of fear and stress to the public. Aside from the fear of the virus, there are many other effects of the current crisis, including millions losing their source of income in the United States.
We live in a very stressful time. You need to realize that even as an adult, you, too, need time to take care of yourself. It is how you will be able to have the strength and energy to take care of your family.
Here are some self-care tips for parents should follow during the COVID-19 pandemic:
Ask Help When You Need To
Everyone is stuck at home. Somehow, that did not make life any easier. There seem to be more house chores to be done. Your days are just an endless loop of tidying and cooking.
When it starts to feel overwhelming, look for a helping hand. Do not feel guilty over dropping off laundry at the dry cleaners.
Do not worry. Experts reassure that the risk of getting COVID-19 from clothing, including the ones you got professionally cleaned, is almost non-existent. The virus is inactivated in water and soap. It also would not survive very long on clothing.
Although you do have to eat a healthy diet as part of the COVID-19 prevention strategy, there is nothing wrong with ordering food from a restaurant every once in a while. Do it when you just do not feel like cooking.
Moreover, divide the chores between members of the family. Ask your kids to help with small tasks, too, so you have time to relax and rest.
Do Things That You Want To Do
You do not have to dedicate every moment of the day tidying the house and looking after your kids. Since there is no school right now, allow yourself to sleep until a little later in the morning. At night, put the kids to bed early and hop into a video conference call with your friends.
Pick up a new hobby or relearn an old one. While states are opening back up, the virus is still spreading. Likely, you will remain at home for a little longer. You will lose your mind and be more stressed, which is bad for your health, if you only do things that you have to, not what you want to.
Turn Off Your Phone
Experts have coined a new term for the tendency of people to keep browsing Facebook, Twitter, Reddit, or any other online platforms to read somber stories: doomscrolling. It is important to be informed, especially as new information is being found about the illness every day. However, for most people, being plugged to the news throughout the day will do you more harm than good.
You only need to follow state regulations. You do not need to read every story about COVID-19. Give yourself an hour at most every day to get your news and then switch off your device.
Cherish Every Moment of Joy
Being at home also means that you will be spending more time with your family. Take advantage of this opportunity and make memorable moments with your kids.
Build a fort in the living room to hide from all the bad events happening around the world for a little while. Make popcorn and watch a family-friendly movie. Share a funny video you saw on YouTube with your spouse.
Cherish these little moments
Indulge yourself to a bit of self-care. Give yourself time to recuperate from being exposed to all the stressors that the world brings you every day. That is how you can get the energy you will need to keep pushing forward.
