Put on your own damn mask first.
I don't know about you but its been a crazy week. I am blessed in the fact that I work from home these days. But, regardless of your situation, life has changed pretty drastically without much of a warning in the last few weeks.
Who has kids that are interrupting their new work-from-home routine, if you are so lucky as to get to work from home? And who is out of bread? Or for some reason I still don't understand: spaghetti sauce and noodles? What is that about? Does everyone only ever eat spaghetti? I dare not mention toilet paper. . .
There's definitely more stress and worry in the world this week.
Q: How are you doing?
I keep thinking about how important it is to take care of ourselves during this time. You know that point after your board a flight and the flight attendant or the audio starts explaining how you should put on your own air mask before putting one on your kids? That is true for everyday in life.
"Remember to take care of yourself first. You cannot pour from an empty cup."
With all of the likely work interruptions, stress about finances, worry about our immune-compromised friends and family, and the general task of being stuck inside for a few weeks, there is some definite stress out in the world and I'm sure you are feeling it, too.
Here's a few tips to stay mentally well during this time:
1. Stay active. Go on a walk, run, or do a workout in your home. Peloton is offering a free 90 day trial of their app with plenty of yoga, meditation, strength, running, cycling, and more! Google it. Beachbody also is offering their kids programs free. Find a coach and hook up the kids.
2. Take a few breaths. Truth is - regardless of whether you are working or not, just about everyone is going to be financially affected. Most in a negative way. You are not alone. We will all get through this one day at a time. Take a few breaths and remind yourself that you are doing the best you can. Stay focused on the 24 hours in front of you.
3. Practice self-care. Easier said than done, but this is more important now than ever. Take a bath, light a candle (be careful - even suggesting that is scaring that crap out of me!), take some time to do your favorite things, do your nails at home, put on a face mask. Watch some Netflix and enjoy a movie and popcorn night with the ones you love the most.
4. Stay social. I know, I know. Social distancing. Let's not forget how technology can help us stay in touch with our loved ones. Have a Google hangout. Try Facetime. If all else fails, a regular old phone call will do. Keep in touch with your loved ones. Check in on them and see if you can help. Maybe you have an extra roll of toilet paper you could share ;)
5. Take it one day at a time. I have no idea what tomorrow brings. None of us does. The best we can do is trust that someone up above is smiling down and has complete control of this situation. Trust in Him and know that we are going to be alright.
More than anything, please know that you are loved: with or without a job. You matter: with or without a job. Regardless of the dollars in your bank account or what type of car you drive. You are loved and you matter.
And, to all of the nurses, doctors, first responders, truck drivers, grocery store workers, etc - God bless you. I pray that you stay healthy and thank you for your service!