Four Ways to Take Better Care of Yourself During COVID-19

Let’s be honest. Many of us are out of our comfort zones right now because our busy lives have been interrupted by COVID-19. We’re at home with the kids, managing their e-Learning, working remotely, cooking more meals, and trying to keep our sanity.

Now, put yourself in the shoes of people who have been laid off from their jobs due to the virus and have no income at all or an older person, who’s at high risk for becoming sick, and has no way to get groceries or prescriptions.

Whatever our situation may be, stress levels are high and it’s impacting our physical, mental and emotional. None of us are alone in this pandemic.

The Community Foundation of Morgan County (CFMC) recognizes that when we don’t take care of ourselves, it can be a real problem for our home and community. That’s why we offer these four helpful suggestions for self-care:

·         Keep moving. Whether we like it or not, exercise has been proven to be good for our overall health. Our bodies and minds both benefit when we add some movement to our day, and it doesn’t have to be an hour of cardio or strength training.  Whether it’s walking a few laps inside or outside the house, just do it. Make it fun by getting your family involved for a walk around the neighborhood or a bike ride.

·         Pray or meditate. When you’re starting to feel anxious or fearful, stop what you’re doing, find a quiet place, and pray or meditate for a few minutes. Take some deep breaths to calm yourself. If there is too much noise in the house, go outside or sit in your vehicle.

·         Declutter your home. When things are out of control, we look for different ways to regain balance in our lives. Make time now to clean out the junk in your closets and reorganize your workspace or kitchen. You’ll have a sense of peace when you see things organized.

·         Make a meal from scratch. Good nutrition is essential during times of uncertainty and stress. Our bodies and minds need to be fed with food that helps us stay active and keeps our mind focused. If you don’t have a lot of items in the cupboard, there are food pantries throughout Morgan County ready to help you.

When this crisis is over, CFMC has identified real solutions for rural access to healthcare such as funding IU Health Morgan’s plant-based nutrition and medical bus outreach programs focused on our rural townships. You can be a part of the solution by donating at www.cfmconline.org. Give today and help change lives tomorrow.