Self-care during COVID: Take a breather

By: Racheal Mulongo | Intern

I am not an expert and like many of you I have never been in a pandemic and have had to adjust my life to a  new reality. It has not been easy as I am sure most of you would agree. With things changing so drastically most of us are becoming aware of just how much we need to take care of ourselves. I want to share with you a few tips on self care that could be helpful for you.  

Sleep schedule: Have a consistent routine when it comes to bedtime. You could include specific activities to your bedtime routine. Once you do them regularly enough your brain and body will associate these activities with sleep. For example, you could turn off bright lights and have a smaller light by your bed as you prepare for sleep. You could read a book instead of going on your phone or laptop. The idea is to reduce light so that your body knows it is dark outside and time to sleep. Trying to go to bed at a regular time is also a really good way to program your body to sleep at a specific time. Sleep is an important part of self-care because when you sleep your body can repair itself, your brain is able to store important information and discard what is not as important. Good quality sleep improves your mood too and helps reduce stress because you will be able to be more productive during the day.

Breaks from the screen: I mentioned this to help improve sleep time but breaks from the screen is something that is becoming increasingly important during COVID times. Our time in front of computer screens has increased because of in person activities shifting online. There may be a temptation to take a break from work by watching videos or scrolling through social media. Though these aren’t bad things, you could replace some of that screen time with some stretching or some physical activity.

Going outside regularly: Speaking of physical activity, you don’t have to become an Olympic runner during this time (although if that’s something you’d like to achieve, go ahead) but regular physical activity could do some good. If you don’t enjoy running like me, you can go on a walk instead to breathe in the fresh air. Your mind needs it, but your body will thank you too.

Connecting with friends and family: With the reduced face-to-face contact, due to things moving more online, don’t neglect being intentional to spend time with family and friends. I know I was encouraging you to reduce your screen time, but if it’s for making genuine connections with people you care about and who care about you then that’s different. Make those connections. If you live with your family or other people find ways to connect with them. Food is a good common ground, maybe have some meals together. Or work together if your work is online and if you are able to encourage each other to work.

Connect with God: Take time to be with God. This, I would say, is the most important practice I’ve found helpful in general but also specifically during this time of COVID. Have a moment with God where you just pour out your heart and share what is going on in your life, the things that worry you, the things that excite you. God is always listening to us even when we don’t feel like He is. Don’t give up the habit of spending time praying or reading the bible which is God’s Word.

I hope there was at least one aspect that you found helpful. Maybe you are reading this and feel overwhelmed, because you just don’t know where to start. Don’t feel like you need to change everything you’ve been doing. Just take one thing you think would be more helpful for you right now and start there. I know things are confusing and discouraging at the moment but it’ll be okay. God is still very much at work, take heart.