Selfie Self-Care 2 Year check-IN Part 1

The world, as we know, it came to a "universal pause" due to COVID-19. Being held captive to the spread of the virus left many of us to start over with our self-care efforts. While there is no panacea for the real undergirding spread of this virus, we have had to adapt and readjust to how we live and those different moments that we work in to make sure that we are optimal in our approach to life. Two years from our initial "Selfie" Self-Care campaign and now abutting World Mental Health Day, I reached out to the inaugural participants for an official check-in. Please note that the shirts they wore this time exemplify the "STOP" that we forcibly had to make as a response to the pandemic. As they've readjusted, I thought it would help to share their amended self-care techniques this time around.

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 techniques pretty much start with the well being of my mental health and stability, and I found that my physical well being is closely related to that. At first, I experienced serious anxiety and stress, mainly because of my industry being seriously effected by covid, so I took on meditation and taking time to clear my mind and work on myself from the inside.Given that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused the world to stop in so many aspects, how have you implemented new self-care techniques?

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

Self care for me started with first getting off my social media platforms. Having to constantly see posts about people who lost loved ones due to the disease, followed by what seemed to be an unarmed black man or woman, being killed by police every month, and to top it off a crucial election going on, it all became over bearing. The posts constantly had me feeling flooded with so many emotions and I knew I needed time from it. As stated previously, I also got in meditation, and stepped up my workout routines. I also took the time off I had from work to work on important business that is going to be key in near future goals, that I'm working on.

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

You have to do what's best for you. Find avenues to explore that help to keep you happy, are productive, and most importantly bring you peace . Also, self care can also come from checking on other people you care about. I have an amazing support system in the form of my family and friends. We constantly check on one another to make sure that we're all doing OK. Never be afraid to ask for help, if you feel you need it. Now more than ever, we all really need one another to make sure we're all doing good in this very VERY important time.

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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?

This pandemic has taught me to be more intentional and actively create new self care opportunities. I have never really been an outdoors type person but this seems to be the new way that we do things. So bike riding, picnics, even hiking are all new things that I have embarked upon just to remain somewhat social and meeting people.

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

Personally I have become more active and focused on my health, prior to COVID-19 my doctor announced to me that my A1C level was borderline prediabetic. Once I received this diagnosis I knew something had to change and quickly. I'm constantly making myself walk more and staying active. Also I am creating intentional down time to simply do nothing and relax.

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

Make the realization that you matter and that you are important. Be adamant about taking care of yourself and engaging in self care. The harsh reality is that if something does happen to us, all our places of employment will do is simply post our jobs on their website and hire someone else. Taking time to care for yourself is a necessity and a requirement.

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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?

With the current pandemic changing our lives as we know it, finding a way to stop and focus on my mental, emotional and physical well being was a challenge. Everywhere you went, watched or read was directed at COVID-19. It had become maddening, that amount of misleading information and constant question from friends and family took its toll. I found myself disconnecting from the world. I knew it was time for me to figure out a means to recenter.

Not only did I have to work to get my mental peace back, I had to get my physical peace back as well. Since dancing was no longer an option for me, I turned to working out. While the gym wasn’t an option, I had to turn back to nature. This in turn helped me kill two birds with one stone. Hiking, running trails, tracks and even the neighborhood all provided a means for me to work off stress of working in healthcare and tapping out of the world’s

drama to see the beauty that still remains.

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

Self-care in the moment of universal stillness is creativity, and learning more about who I am and where I want to go in life. It has allowed me to focus on my health. Being a Nurse, I worry about others health and push the need to take time to care for yourself.

I had to take my own advise and find methods to get out and make the best of it.

YouTube was a great help, I learned healthy activities for home and outdoor activities. I learned to cook, food that fed my body what it needed to maintain and respond to the new insults of COVID-19.

Meditation, calmed my mind, spirit and heart. The amount a dying , sick and even those living in fear took a toll. With all of this coming from all directions and aspect of my life was a lot. My outlet had to come from with in, reflection and learning how to release those emotions. Meditation allowed me to release that energy.

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

While, I am still learning myself the self-care techniques to use for myself, the biggest suggestion I can provide is knowing when to listen to your inner voice telling you to slow down. Take a step away from the television, enjoy your family, wash your hands and get out and be active. If you keep your body healthy, a virus can’t live to replicate. Do something that you find enjoyment in to get a new sense of normalcy in this uncertain time.

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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?

During this Covid-19 pandemic, implementing new self-care techniques as been a true eye opener. I have implemented watching and studying a morning devotional stream, made a commitment to continue my fitness journey learning new exercises that will challenge me, and taking moments for myself doing something that will bring me a peace and happiness.

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

In this moment of universal stillness, self-care looks different from previous ways of going about. We are faced with finding new means of doing the normal self-care, in which we have been doing and adjusting to new routes which causes us to be more appreciative and aware going about them.

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

Suggesting to others moving forward with implementing self-care techniques, would be start at your own pace and to start off small. I would let it be known that we all have our pace that we acquire new or similar self-care techniques. When you learn a new self-care technique you are developing and nurturing it and once it has become apart of your daily routine add another self-care technique.