Did you find the second week of shelter-in-place harder than the first? If so, you're not alone. Many of us have felt sad, lonely, bored, trapped and discouraged this week. Take heart--that's normal. We're all still adjusting. This is a long-haul thing. But the preliminary data seems to be showing that it's working: we're flattening the curve, together. Yay for us.
Remember, all self-helpy web articles to the contrary, you don't have to use this time productively. Sure, it's a great chance to read all the Penguin modern classics, practice the violin and cook gourmet recipes from your store cupboard. But if all you can manage is to answer some email and take a nap some days, then that's fine too.
Every day is different. I cut myself some slack when I feel sad or overwhelmed, because who knows how I'll feel the next day? A nap helps. A cup of tea helps. A breath of fresh air helps. Small things. Be kind to your good self. Try not to worry. Below are some specific resources:
Remember, all self-helpy web articles to the contrary, you don't have to use this time productively. Sure, it's a great chance to read all the Penguin modern classics, practice the violin and cook gourmet recipes from your store cupboard. But if all you can manage is to answer some email and take a nap some days, then that's fine too.
Every day is different. I cut myself some slack when I feel sad or overwhelmed, because who knows how I'll feel the next day? A nap helps. A cup of tea helps. A breath of fresh air helps. Small things. Be kind to your good self. Try not to worry. Below are some specific resources:
- If you are trapped at home with someone who is being mean to you, here is the National Domestic Abuse hotline: 800-799-7233
- For those of you who aren't sleeping well, here are some good resources for sleep, including a guided sleep meditation.
- Here is some nice, sensible dietary advice about foods that may help with depression and anxiety.
- For activists stymied by being at home, look here for a lot of ideas about how to be useful and influential as well as safe.
- Look here for a lot of general shelter-in-place-related mental health resources, including many related to children and families, as well as how to talk to children about what is happening.
- If you are battling anxiety, try some DBT distress tolerance skills--they're simple and they work.
- For anyone really needing exercise, there's a lot out there, from high intensity to online yoga.
- If you're really worried about money, turn and face it: look at your bank account, make a budget, draw up a list of your resources. Think about who has your back if the worst happens. Make a plan Z. Investigate unemployment benefit, rental assistance, mortgage relief, sick time--resources are being put in place to help you.
- Finally, for those of you who are worried about putting on weight from comfort-eating COVID snacks and staying away from the gym, I'm calling that "COVID curviness" will be hella hot once people can date again.