Self-Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic- Activity and Rest Needs
The COVID-19 pandemic is…….exhausting. The endless news streams reporting cases and deaths. Self-quarantine. Job losses and an economic downturn. I’m sure I could list many more things that make our present circumstances exhausting. If that wasn’t enough, there’s now pressure to exercise regularly because “you have more time” (really??). Even worse are those that tout the harmful and incorrect message that regular exercise (and dieting) will prevent you for contracting the coronavirus (it won’t).
Activity and rest needs are an important part of self-care; however, pressure to start a fitness regime DURING A PANDEMIC is an example of wellness gone awry. I’d like to present a different way of looking at activity and rest needs using the questions- “how do I feel?” and “what do I need?”. These fantastic questions can be used as a self-care “check in” periodically throughout the day.
How do I feel?
If you feel like moving your body, what is your motivation? If your motivation is to improve your mood, center yourself, take a break from your family, stretch your arms and legs, or be in nature, moving your body might be a great option for you (safely and socially distancing, of course). Maybe it would feel good to get some fresh air, take a walk, ride your bike, or go on a run to clear your head? Maybe stretching or a yoga class will help you to reduce your anxiety and bring you back to the present?
On the contrary, if your motivation to move your body is to burn calories, compensate for foods that you ate, or stems from guilt (I “should” be exercising), you may find that moving your body doesn’t feel good. If your mood worsens, you feel guilty for not “exercising enough” or exercise becomes compulsive, these are signs that your relationship with exercise is becoming unhealthy (and/or disordered). If that’s the case, reaching out to someone like me, who treats these issues, will help.
If you’re feeling physically or emotionally tired, how would it feel to give yourself permission to rest? “Being busy” has been a badge of honor in our society (even during a pandemic). What if you relaxed the guidelines about needing to be doing something all the time and just rested instead? How would you feel?
What do I need?
I love this question! Ask yourself— is rest what I need in this moment, or is activity what I need in this moment? If the answer is rest, consider taking a 20 minute nap, watching an episode (or two) of your favorite show, reading a book, or doing a guided meditation (check out the app Insight Timer). If the answer is activity, choose something that will make you feel good physically, emotionally, and mentally. If you don’t know what you need, that’s okay too!! The fact that you’re practicing asking yourself is an excellent first step. Sometimes we don’t know what we need in the moment. Give yourself compassion and space to let yourself be.
I’m continuing to send you compassion, support, and camaraderie during this challenging time. If I can be of assistance to you, send me an email: nmareno@nurtureconsultingllc.com. I’d love to chat with you!
Photo by Prasoon Raj (@prasoonraj97) via Unsplash