Take time to practice self-care

I am going to release a message about how are psychotherapy practice will change in response to the coronavirus.  In the meantime, this pandemic has caused a heightened sense of anxiety throughout the world.  But there are things we can do to protect our emotional wellbeing.  

I know that it is important to stay up to date with any new information.  But I have mentioned in a previous post that we need to carve out time when we stop listening to the news, and we free our mind to think of something else.  Here are some suggestions -

• My personal favourite is turning on some relaxing music.  There is plenty available (for free) on Youtube and Soundcloud, and I particularly like the ones that show videos of woods or crashing waves as they play sounds of nature (waterfalls and birdsong) or spa music.
• Take note of any positives that might come out of this troubling situation.  I value the heightened sense of community spirit I have witnessed, and because the schools are closed I have savoured spending more time with my family.  And thank goodness for technology, because Facetime has been an essential way to fill the void left by the reduced interaction with my friends.
• Gather a list of self-care items (perhaps ten) and do one each day.  These are activities that would usually make you feel good if you weren't so preoccupied with the coronavirus.  These can be as simple as watching a comedy or drawing pictures, or learning a new skill (Youtube is great for learning!).
• Here are some more resources to help with anxiety, and you can find guided visualisations on my Audio Therapy page.  

Please do get in contact if you need to discuss any of your concerns.  I would like to think that I can at least point you in the right direction.  We are in this together, and together we will find a way through.

Chris Warren-Dickins LLB MA LPC
Psychotherapist in Ridgewood, New Jersey