Need to talk? Call our Crisis and Mental Health Support Intake Line: 713.874.6590
By Clinical Supervisor, Jaime Rivera, LCSW Supervisor, Counseling and Behavioral Health
During these uncertain times, it’s easy to feel anxious or worried. A Catholic Charities counselor offers some tips for self-care.
Uncertainty. Anxiety. Fear. Isolation. Doubt. Many of us have had these same thoughts over the past few weeks since the COVID-19 pandemic. Especially during these uncertain times, we don’t always give ourselves the opportunity to process these thoughts and emotions because we focus on planning for the unknown.
We all process situations uniquely. It’s important to give ourselves permission to cope in a way that is best for each of us. Sometimes that’s difficult because we are worried about our loved ones or other vulnerable families in our community. Taking care of ourselves allows us to effectively care for others.
Caring for ourselves looks different for every person and maintaining balance among the different areas of our self-including physical, spiritual, emotional and relational is essential.
Some helpful tips to promote self-care include:
- Maintaining healthy routines
- Proper nutrition
- Prayer
- Adequate physical activity
- Maintaining connections with family and community
- Practice gratitude
Many of us live a fast-paced lifestyle. Take this time as an opportunity to focus on projects you’ve been meaning to work on or activities to invest in yourself. These can be simple DIY projects in your house, more quality time with friends and family (virtually, of course) or practice a new hobby or skill you’ve always wanted to learn.
Relying and building on our innate strengths and resiliency will help us thrive and not just survive during these trying times.
With so much uncertainty and disruption in our daily lives, it may be difficult to cope with all the changes. Focus on what you can control: your thoughts, faith, behaviors and social connections is important.
Keep practicing mindfulness, prayer and reflection, which allows us to center ourselves back in the here and now and what we feel in the present moment.
7 things to remember:
- Accept and validate your own thoughts, then give yourself the ability to process them.
- Choose the way to cope that is best for you.
- Practice self-care.
- Work on projects and activities you usually don’t have time for.
- Connect with friends and family (phone, Facetime, etc.)
- Focus on what you can control.
- Practice mindfulness, prayer and reflection.
Although we find ourselves in uncertain waters, by allowing our social bonds and faith to guide us, it will provide us some comfort and joy in our everyday lives.
If you’re feeling anxious or uncertain and need someone to talk to, Catholic Charities is here to help. Call our Crisis and Mental Health Support Intake Line at 713.874.6590.