Creating Shelter from the Storm

1.  Develop and maintain a routine. This is especially helpful for working parents, but everyone can benefit.  Studies have shown that maintaining a regular schedule is one of the first steps necessary in helping people suffering from stress and depression. Wake up and go to bed at the same time each day, exercise and eat meals at the same time, and maintain regular work hours – despite being “plugged in” to the office 24/7. If you live with others, sit down together to organize a schedule. Get the kids involved and they will be more likely to stick to the plan. Post the schedule in your home for everyone to see. Please see the attached Verywell Mind article for more detail (link).

2. Boost your immune system.   Our immune system needs to be in its peak working order now more than ever.  Here, it is critical to take care of yourself before trying to take care of others. Maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and get 7-9 hours of sleep each night.  Eat lots of green, leafy vegetables, fish and seafood.  Consider taking a daily probiotic supplement to improve and maintain “gut” health.  Getting proper amounts of Vitamins C & D is essential.  Some experts recommend taking a daily multi-mineral supplement. Here’s a related piece from the University of Maryland Medical System (link).

3.  Turn off all-day news media feeds and channels.  The constant “breaking news” alerts and other similar stressors can cause an increase in your body’s stress hormone, cortisol.  Higher cortisol levels have the potential to reduce immune system responsiveness, increase blood pressure, affect your metabolism, produce mood swings, and negatively affect the quality of your sleep.  Take a break from the relentless media noise surrounding the pandemic, and the U.S. presidential election season.  Practice tuning out as much as possible.  Reclaim your calm and balance by making your body, your heart, mind and spirit the top priority.  Lifehack’s piece on excessive news consumption is very helpful (link).

4.  Spend time in your personal “happy place.”  “Travel” to a personal haven – whether it be a walk in the woods, working in your garden, talking with friends and family, reading a good book in your favorite chair, or pursing a new hobby.  Whatever it is, schedule this “happy place time” into your day – each and every day.  For those so inclined, consider yoga or one of the many forms of meditation as an attempt to find stillness and calm.  Encourage your loved ones to do the same!

5.  Do something for someone else every day.  Send a quick note, call or email a friend or family member, volunteer for an organization or cause you care about, pick up some supplies or groceries for a neighbor, or simply offer a (masked) smile or hello to a passerby.  These are all ways of getting outside of ourselves, by focusing on others.  There are benefits to the giver as well.  Some studies have shown that people with a regular practice of volunteering have increased levels of happiness, and improved health.   We are all in this together, and the more we share and support each other, the stronger we will be.