Answering Self-Care Quarantine Questions That You May Be Too Afraid to Ask
During these past two weeks, I’ve indulged in the excess “downtime” by reading, digesting new information, and seeking solid advice. And with all of this wonderful new material, I'm having a hard time narrowing down what to write about.
But what a wonderful side effect of living at such a slower pace – so much learning!
So, perhaps this is a cue for me to write from my own experiences with my clients rather than adapt someone else's advice. My hope is that by answering some questions that so many are asking, you won't feel so alone – or like you're “doing it wrong.”
1. Is it okay to be honest when someone asks how I'm doing?
How well do you know this person? If it’s your best friend asking, then yes, please be honest! If it’s the local delivery guy trying to get his job done, maybe the shortened, polite version is the more appropriate answer.
If you need to borrow an answer, you can use my status: “I’m alternating between sheer terror and uncontrollable laughter.” (It usually gets a chuckle – and seems to get people thinking!)
2. Is it okay that I kind of like being quarantined?
Yes! During this time, people are starting to find their preferences. You may realize that you are more of a homebody than you thought. On the other hand, there may come a time where you understand that you are more social than you’d like to admit. It’s also totally normal to flipflop from day to day, and to appreciate what you're learning about yourself.
3. Is it ok that I’m not getting anything done?
It can be hard to stay motivated during this time, especially with so much uncertainty around us. The news cycle alone is utterly exhausting!
So, first, give yourself some grace and understand that NONE of us are operating at 100%. At a minimum, we're ALL experiencing this baseline stress. And make sure that you're setting realistic expectations for yourself when it comes to what you want to accomplish.
Let's be honest: simply getting through this time is more than enough productivity.
4. Is it okay to feel a little lost?
Of course it is! Please remember that this is a first for all of us. None of us have ever lived through a pandemic, so we're all adapting in our own ways – and in real-time. If you find yourself feeling a little disconnected, now is the best time to find some grounding rituals to keep you in a solid routine each day. Whether meditation, exercise, reading, or all of the above, the little things are what help to get us into a groove.
5. Is it okay to be scared?
I wish that I could tell you to not be scared, but that would be leading you down a primrose path. Without a doubt, this is a scary time, and it’s okay to call it out as such. When you can name the event that’s happening, and realistically talk about it, it actually gives you more power than you realize.
6. Is it okay to feel overwhelmed?
I would be shocked if someone said they didn’t! The amount of conflicting information being shared each day is confusing enough. On top of that, many of you are playing multiple roles in your household right now, and learning how to juggle them all is a feat in and of itself. It is common to feel a step behind or like you’re on autopilot.
Do your best to stay present and mindful. Focus on the task at hand as opposed to the whole 24 hours in front of you. Recognize that you're overwhelmed. Don't feel afraid to talk about it. In fact, question 5 and this one go hand-in-hand.
My last blog was titled, "It's Okay to Not Feel Okay.” In it, I talk about how we're all searching for answers, and we all have the tendency to compare our own experience to others.
Take this to heart: this is NEW for ALL of us.
NO ONE is an expert at living their normal lives during a pandemic.
YOU are only in charge of your own experience.
Do the best you can with the people closest to you. Truly, whatever you are feeling, it is okay. You'll get through this. We'll get through this. We just have to let ourselves get through it in OUR way.
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