Self-Care in the second wave of Covid involves good physical and mental health. People due to the probability of the second wave of Coronavirus have been practicing self-care.
People these days due to Covid are spending a lot of time on social media. Also perhaps their sleep cycle has got affected negatively.
Lifestyle changes have affected their overall well-being. There are bouts of hopelessness, worry, as well as anxiety and it is but natural to hope that the situation will eventually improve everywhere. On a positive note, it is good to follow simple mental health routines to brave through these testing.
Most parts of the country happen to be under lockdown and efforts are being made by people to survive this worse second wave crisis of Covid. The need of the hour is self-care in the second wave.
Table of Contents
What is self-care?
Self-care in simpler terms means taking care of ourselves, nourishing ourselves, and also trying to get in touch with reality daily.
Taking care of oneself during these trying times then would mean building resilience, which also asses on to family and friends. Self-care is quite often confused with self-improvement, but it does not imply making oneself better but adapting and nurturing oneself during such unprecedented times. This approach does help to prepare in the case of the probability of the second wave of Coronavirus which is there now.
Barriers to Self-care:
1. Physical Barrier:
Indulging in self-care that involves physical activity such as trekking or traveling may not be possible under present circumstances.
2. Mental Barrier:
Self-love is always referred to as a guilty-pleasure activity, yet this attitude needs to be overcome to normalize very important self-love.
Signs of poor self-care
1. Sleep troubles:
Having frequent sleep troubles does indicate a major stressor that is distressing a person
2. Feeling moody:
If faced with a deluge of emotions, then it could be a potential indicator of not having enough self-care.
3. Withdrawal:
Sudden loss of interest in human connection and no interest in taking up any initiatives are striking indicators of poor emotional health as well as self-care.
4. Nervousness:
Feeling constantly worried, nervous as well as anxious for the most of the day indicates poor self-care.
5. Risky behaviors:
Increased dependence on alcohol/substance/smoking can be affect decision-making negatively.
Useful tips to practice self-care
1. Nutrition
It is very important to maintain a well-balanced diet during these difficult times. Boosting one’s immunity is important and a healthy diet needs to be maintained. Eating on time and practicing mindful eating habits like for example, not making use of mobile phones or watching TV while eating are important.
2. Practice good hygiene
Self-care also implies practicing good hygienic practices. Taking a shower and sanitizing properly is also very important after a person visits a supermarket, office, etc.
3. Virtual catch-ups
It is important to follow up upon social connections, even if it is virtual. Set aside sometime during the week and arrange fun game nights, movie nights, get-togethers with family and friends.
4. Take time out to relax
Engaging in simple breathing exercises and relaxation exercises to lower stress levels and anxiety pangs helps. So try to invest five minutes of the day to practice simple breathing exercises.
5. Get good sleep
It is necessary to ensure 7 to 8 hours of sleep.
6. Pick up a new hobby
Try reading a book or perhaps learn the skill you always wanted to. This does release happy hormones.
7. Set a morning routine
Most people do not have a morning routine and tend to directly get into chores as soon as they wake up. It is better to follow a simple morning routine.
8. Get professional help
At some point in life, a person may crumble emotionally and this is quite normal to do so. Seeking help does not indicate weakness, rather a sign of strength. Taking charge of things will of course reduce the impact that it can create later in one’s life.
Conclusion
Following these above-mentioned tips does help, but in case the situation is overwhelming, then talking to professional help. Self-care in the second wave is important.