Viamontie Counseling & Consulting Services

 

Social distancing does not mean social isolation. It is not the time to stay away from family and friends. Even if you are an introvert, and enjoy spending time to yourself. We are in a very unique time, where it’s encouraged to stay home, so staying home feels a little different. It feels different because, you are not staying home because you need to recharge your energy from being drained from work or from having to entertain others. It feels different because, it is not chosen by you, it was encouraged, for your safety. That puts a different spin on it, a different feeling behind it.

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Social distancing but not social disconnect. So have you video chat with a friend lately, called a friend lately, texted a friend lately…even if you have been the one doing most of the reaching out. This is not a time to feel that you are a burden to others. Because let’s be honest, you need them and they need you. Needing someone may scare you, being a burden to someone may terrify you; but it is better than the feeling that can arise and remain if you chose not to connect with someone regularly. The technology of our current times is very useful, there are many ways to stay connected. So have you connected lately?

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Lastly, this is a time to take care of yourself. Whatever taking care of yourself looks like. Whether you are an essential working going out daily for work, on the front line caring for the sick, working from home but barely working lol, or working from home and finding it very difficult to manage a work schedule and home life, educating your children…taking care of yourself should be a top priority. If you are working from home, a routine that includes and a wake up time, planned out work times, scheduled breaks and exercise. Oh and don’t forget the sun light. Yes, the recommendation is to stay home and social distance, but going for a walk in your neighborhood is a healthy way to stay active and get sunlight. Go for a walk, but be safe maintain the safety precautions. Or just step outside every day for a few minutes, just to take in some fresh air. Sunlight and exercise are great defenses against depression and anxiety.

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Pay attention to your mental health needs. Incorporate ways to keep a sound mind. Try yoga, meditation, high or low impact exercise, create a schedule for yourself, for your entire house and most definitely for your kids. Pay attention to what you feed your mind especially from the media. Social distancing does not mean social isolation, it is a time to love on your family and friends, and be attuned to your own social and emotional wellness.