Counselor gives tips on how to cope with new world
Brandi Settje
MA, LIMHP
During this time of uncertainty, emotions can run high for all of us. Please remember that taking care of ourselves and our families mean trying to keep somewhat of a daily routine while kids are out of school.
Practicing overall wellness by finding ways of taking care of yourself and others in the areas of physical, emotional, cognitive-intellectual, spiritual, and social wellbeing is important too.
What does that even mean?
Wellness as a whole, is how we can take care of our whole wellbeing or what can be called, self-care.
Physical wellness is an attempt to take care of our bodies in a healthy way. Examples include, sticking to a sleep routine, a well rounded diet, getting some physical exercise and attend regular health care visits when needed are all ways we can take care of our bodies.
Emotional wellness is taking care of your feelings in healthy ways. Examples include, maintain personal and professional support systems, journaling, counseling, listening to music, finding joy in the relationships and activities that you prefer.
Cognitive/intellectual wellness are things that you can do to care for your mind and understand yourself and the world around you better. Examples include, reading for pleasure, engaging in learning a new skill or acquiring knowledge about something or even yourself. Doing word puzzles, or engaging in a hobby that you enjoy.
Spiritual wellness is gaining perspective in your life. Examples may be prayer, medication, contact with nature, connection with God or a higher power; participating in worship with a community or a 12-step recovery program.
And as we find ourselves in the time of practicing social distancing, we may find this difficult but it is still essential in our own wellness, that we find time to be social for our social wellness as well.
Social wellness are things that you can do to relate to others in the world around you.
Examples include, spending time with friends and family that you enjoy; having fun, playing; belonging to groups, communities and activities that encourage positive social connections. Attempting to do this while maintaining social distancing can be difficult. We have to become creative and using technology makes it a little easier. We can now FaceTime, set up Zoom meetings and use Facebook/Facebook Messenger to start social circles and connect over the computer or phone.
There are activities that we can do that will hit in several areas of wellness all at one time. An example I like to share about myself, is that of running. I understand that this is not for everyone, but I do use it as an example of using several areas of wellness to practice good self-care. I can get my physical activity in by enjoying a long run outside. While running, I use that time to think about ideas and time for prayer and reflection too. I emotionally feel much better after a long run and it fuels me to better help others and know myself better too.
The long lasting effects of this activity helping me sleep better too. That is just an example that works for me helps me to stay well.
There are a lot of activities that you may find also do this and it certainly doesn’t require hitting all 5 areas at once. Find something in each area every day to help you achieve overall wellness.
In this time of socially distancing ourselves, please remember to check in by phone or other means to your neighbors and those who may feel alone.
Do try to find time to sit and visit with your family and friends, use this time to have fun and connect with others.
Make a phone call, try a zoom meeting, write a letter. take that time to yourself to care for you. Going for a drive to get out can feel good too. Know that you will have tough days and give yourself and your family some grace or lower standards by knowing that we really are all trying to get through this unpredictable time.
It’s also ok to ask for help from loved ones and professionals.