Selfie 2 Year Check-In Part 2

Given that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused the world to stop in so many aspects, how have you implemented new self-care techniques?

February 17-21, 2020, I traveled within that week to St. Maarten, Anguilla, and St. Barth’s. I returned to New Orleans, Louisiana on Friday, February 21, 2020 and that was the beginning of the final weekend of Mardi Gras; and I had a blast. Who knew that when the Lenten Season began on Wednesday, March 4, 2020 that the rumblings of a virus originating in China would bring the world to a screeching halt, thus changing how we all function in society? Creating a ”new normal” that has caused many people to experience a roller coaster of emotions. As we are headed into month eight of this pandemic you ask, “How have I implemented new self-care techniques” and I can honestly say… I do not remember how I was doing it prior to COVID-19. I have flashes of things I use to do, and I laugh at meme on social media when there is a picture of people doing something like laughing at brunch, and it would read, “Remember Brunch?”

The first two weeks of the shut down, I was fine as I am an introvert; did not bother me one bit and honestly it still does not. However, when I started looking at myself in the mirror and noticed that my body was changing and not in a good way, I knew I would have to adjust. So, I purchased dumbbells, ropes, and bands to begin workouts at home, as well as I had the opportunity to pick up jogging again. In June once my state moved into Phase 2 and gyms opened, I got the courage in July to begin hitting the gym a bit more, but only during non-peak times. I have even gone so far as to begin training with a personal trainer. Still trying to decide if that is good or bad as he is really effective. (That is all I will say about him.)

So… HEALTH & FITNESS is my primary self-care technique during these days. With finishing up my master’s program (Public Health) and being the primary caregiver for my mom this has been a health release for me.

What does self-care look like for you in this moment of universal stillness?

To quote a mantra from one of my favorite shows, we all need to “Relax, Relate, Release” (A DIFFERENT WORLD) There are so many things coming at us these days, and with the sudden change in our routine it can make us crazy (for lack of a more scientific wording). I understand that it is not just me going through this, but affects us all, and I try to share that with anyone that is having a “moment” due to the change. I clown with them and just say, “Relax, Relate, Release”. I have gotten several people to come out and take a walk with me or go bike riding with me. Just do something to shake up the monotony.

How do you suggest others move forward with implementing self-care techniques?

Whether you like it or not, this is the “new normal” for the unforeseeable future. People have had to reset/adjust their routines and how they live in this world. You cannot let this affect your mental as it will move towards your physical. Taking on a hobby, do as I did by delving into health and fitness. This is a chance for people to “learn themselves” if that makes sense. Do not let this situation be a weight on your shoulders. I know that people are affected financially, which is a big issue, and I am blessed to not have that to worry about. I was reading articles that households have become closer, and I have noticed within the black community in my area that people are doing more recreational activities outside; and I think that is a great thing. We are in unchartered territory with this pandemic. We want it to be over with just to get back to a sense of normalcy. With everything that has been affected, jobs, finances, loss of love ones, getting through this is challenging. Do as I do and EXHALE when you can as things are pretty much out of our hands, and we are still unable to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Stay Safe. Wear Your Mask. Oh… and VOTE!

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Given that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused the world to stop in so many aspects, how have you implemented new self-care techniques?

Staying consistent with self-care throughout this COVID-19 pandemic has been especially trying. With the normal way we navigate throughout life making somewhat of a drastic shift, it has been very important to maintain a healthy physical and mental state.

Although this pandemic has shifted the way we navigate, my self-care techniques have remained largely unchanged. The biggest thing I implemented is a deep breathing technique aimed at releasing tension, anxiety and stress. I have found it to be very effective for me. I also shifted my physical activity as I am unwilling to go to the gym at the moment even though they are now reopened. So I implemented resistance bands, running and cycling to help maintain physical fitness.

What does self-care look like for you in this moment of universal stillness?

Quality time with my family has been huge. I am so grateful to have my wife and children, especially during this time. The times we're in has forced everyone just to slow down and re-evaluate what is really important in life. For me, that has always been family, but this has just added so much more to it.

Prayer is still a pillar for me. Prayer gets me through everything in life and is the biggest portion of self-care. Without prayer, the rest of it is irrelevant. Prayer keeps me in the right frame of mind and provides clarity and perspective.

Another important portion of self-care for me is doing something for myself every once and a while. That could be something as simple as playing a video game for a half hour, or taking on a new project.

How do you suggest others move forward with implementing self-care techniques?

Self-care has always been important, but now with the isolation the COVID-19 pandemic has created, it is more crucial than ever. Isolation is tough and you have to take steps to ensure you're properly caring for yourself whatever that may be. Everyone is different. Try several techniques and do what works for you.

__________________________________________________________________________________ Given that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused the world to stop in so many aspects, how have you implemented new self-care techniques?

My new self-care technique is getting lost in my music, having the ability to have more time with my friends/family, and being able to have a work-life balance. What does self-care look like for you in this moment of universal stillness? Self care for me is helping others where I can during this pandemic and ensuring them that we are all in this together. Most importantly, my self-care techniques has made form a a stronger relationship with God, my brother, and my friends/family.

How do you suggest others move forward with implementing self-care techniques? People first need to identity what’s important to them in their life. For me, that’s my relationship with god, my brother, and friends/families. For someone else, it could be spending more time with their children. The best self-care technique I can suggest would be, “Do What Makes “SELF” Happy”!

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Given that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused the world to stop in so many aspects, how have you implemented new self-care techniques?

Reducing stress is so very important right now. With rising levels of anxiety due to the pandemic, it’s especially vital to lower your stress level to keep healthy. Taking care of my mental health by taking a pause for a moment and collecting my thoughts has been a new self care technique for me. Learning how to control my emotions and remaining calm plays a big factor in the well-being of my mental state because I know that my mental health is just as important as my physical health. Emotions in response to uncertainty may include anxiety, fear, anger and sadness, which could make us feel helpless, discouraged and, occasionally, out of control, so focusing on the things I can control to keep my stress level down is important to my self care.

What does self-care look like for you in this moment of universal stillness?

Getting up early and structuring my day by staying productive with positive thoughts. By staying busy my body is functioning around the clock, well-oiled machines that I should not take for granted. Our bodies are the home of our souls. Eating a good meal is also important because I know the nutrients from our meals nourish us deep into our muscles, organs, and cells. A balanced diet as well as a loving approach to eating is a true gift to myself and my body. What and how we consume has an impact on our emotional well-being. I have learned to listen my body more.

How do you suggest others move forward with implementing self-care techniques?

It’s so important to make sure you take good care of your body, mind, and soul every day, not just when you get sick. Learning how to eat right, reduce stress, exercise regularly, and take a time-out when you need it are touchstones of self-care and can help you stay healthy, happy, and resilient.