Self-Care All the More Important During Pandemic Stress in the USVI
Are you loving and taking care of yourself during this pandemic? Are you a parent working, and has to find ways to assist your child at home with virtual learning? Are you someone who has lost their job, or had to make a change due to COVID? With the recent increase in cases of COVID-19 here in the US Virgin Islands, “self-care” is essential. Parents are exhausted juggling work while supervising kids doing distance learning. People have lost their jobs due to the pandemic. Time management has been more challenging with changes in their normal day to day-to-day life. “In my opinion self-care is more important during these difficult times of the ‘Covid 19 era’ than ever before. Not only are the everyday stressors in people’s lives still apparent, they are exacerbated by all the strain that COVID 19 has brought to every aspect of life. The fear towards contracting the disease and becoming fatally ill yourself, to the thought of bringing covid home to loved ones is anxiety inducing” said Rebekah Wheatley, a local mother of two. “The loneliness that you begin to feel when the world has all but shut down so physical human interaction is at an all-time low. Schools closing forcing parents to make difficult decisions regarding their children’s care,” she added. Widely-cited medical ethicists Beauchamp and Childress described self-care as providing adequate attention to one’s own physical and psychological wellness. Clinical Social Worker Maria Baratta wrote in Psychology Today, “I often refer to self-care as a huge part of what’s missing in the life of someone who’s busy and stressed. So what is self-care? Self-care in essence is the mindful taking of time to pay attention to you.”
2021-09-16 20:40:36 - VI News Staff
To build resilience towards the stressors of our daily lives, practicing self-care is vital. There are different forms of self- care, including physical, social, mental, spiritual, and emotional. “With the constant changes that covid seems to bring to our lives, I think it’s so important to recognize when we’re feeling overwhelmed and take a step back. Not only do I find ways to adapt and be flexible but I also find time for the things I enjoy and can still do. Going to the beach and spending time with those I’m closest to are my best self-care practices” said Brittanie Sibilly, a Pre-K teacher at Antilles School.
“One way I take time for myself is by going for a walk or short run to help get my endorphins pumping. Since the completion of the waterfront walkway, I have really enjoyed getting some exercise, accompanied by an amazing view. The different hues of the sky during the sunset, the sea providing a nice cool breeze, and my skin soaking in the sun helps me to unwind and let go of the stresses life can bring. This is fun, free, and good for your health. Sometimes the hardest part is forcing myself to get up and out the door but then once I am out of the house and get in some movement, I am always happy that I went” said Wheatley.
Many tend to forget that there is a powerful connection between the body and mind. Being physically healthy includes:
• Getting enough sleep.
• Fuelling your body with the best nutrients.
• Exercising.
• Taking care of your health.
• and taking prescribed medications.
“Self-care for me is doing anything that makes me feel good. It can be as simple as eating my favorite dessert or watching your favorite show. My favorite self-care is indulging in monthly massages and, in addition to treating myself to a night out for dinner” said Atoya, the office manager at Mind/Body Health & Psychology. “I like to create a morning and/or night time routine. At either end of the day, start with setting aside 20 minutes for myself. That means free of family, friends and kids. You can fill this time with sitting in silence, meditation, reading, exercise, etc. The time is there for you to fill your cup so you can fill others” said Ali Prazak, a realtor at Sea Glass Properties and a health and wellness coach.
With social distancing, it is understandable that social self-care may be the most challenging. In social self-care, one should have face-to-face interaction. You can still practice social self-care in today’s normal by calling and checking in on your friends and family. Share your thoughts and feelings. If possible, meet up with them for face-to-face interaction,. “When I had a long week at work, I like to do something simple and relaxing for myself to unwind. I love going to Magen’s beach with my family and friends. The beach is another form of self-care I tend to do often” said Atoya.