Pandemic Stress and Self-care
By Lily Mojdehi
Communities all over the world have been impacted by the pandemic for over a year. Collectively, people are experiencing intense emotions such as grief, loss, isolation, anxiety, and fear. The uniqueness of these times has made it almost impossible for people to ignore the conversation of mental health and wellness. This past year has shaken the ground underneath our feet. All that was familiar, comfortable, normal, and safe was destabilized. The intensity of this past year opened many people’s most vulnerable wounds—wounds that have been covered up and patched over. This isolation has given time and space for many people to consider what is going on inside themselves, emotionally. This time of reflection has almost forced people to confront their emotions and past traumas.
As a mental health advocate, my hope is that this year helps us recognize how necessary it is to stay diligent about our physical and mental wellbeing. It can be helpful to think of our overall wellness holistically. In order to prevent major physical or mental health challenges, I suggest we look at our overall health as a balancing act. I would recommend reflecting on how you balance your health mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Mentally, ask yourself: How are you stimulating your mind? Try taking a social media or news break, practice deep breathing, or stick to a daily routine.
Physically, consider: Are your basic needs met? Are you eating nourishing foods and moving your body in a way that makes you feel alive?
Emotionally, check in with yourself: Do you feel safe enough to express what is going on inside you? Try writing in a journal or listening to music you love.
Spiritually, nourish yourself: Are you connected to your higher purpose, spending time in nature, and maintaining cultural traditions?
Different areas of our lives need more attention at different times. Our health will never be perfect, but it is up to us to nourish ourselves and sometimes that will mean asking for help or extra support from a therapist, mentor, or friend.
