1. Connect

We're meant to be with other people, it is simply in our biological makeup, so it is super important to make time for family and friends.  And, yes, that includes the ones with four legs!  We feel less alone and our mood is better when we have someone to talk to, whether we are needing support with something that is hard or there is positive news to share.  Cuddle with those pets we're all seeing on videos!  A great way to be connected is to give help to others -- whether it is a family member or friend or through volunteer programs -- it feels so good to tap into this natural way of taking care of ourselves.  And, on the flip side, taking care of ourselves also means becoming comfortable asking others for help when you need it.  Right now, it can require some creativity to connect, to help others, or be supported in the safest ways.  Fortunately, there are so many options.  Video and phone calls, virtual activities, on-line games and watch parties...just to name a few!  Getting outside with our loved ones, with masks and physical distancing, can be a low-risk and rewarding part of life.

2. Get outside 

Being in nature, with others or solo, is a transformative experience.  A little fresh air, a glimpse of evergreens, a lake or creek, and hopefully some much needed sunshine -- time and again research shows that being outside helps us to worry less and feel better.  Get out several times a week, appreciating both times where you are quiet and observant of nature and times when you are active.   Right now, temperatures are turning colder, but that doesn't need to stop you.  Layer up with cold weather-friendly fabrics and throw on some appropriate footwear, and aside from ice and extremely cold temps, weather-appropriate gear coupled with outdoor heating or the natural heat of movement makes getting outside year-round totally doable.  (The flip-side will be true come summer!)

3. Be active

Physical activity is known to increase a wide variety of chemicals in our brain and body that make us feel better.  It improves energy and is good for the health and maintenance of our entire body.  Physical activity comes in a lot of different forms and, whether you're getting your heart rate up with cardio activities like hiking, running, swimming, or cycling or strengthening and stretching that musculoskeletal system by doing other activities like weight training or yoga, it's all time well spent.  Right now, any activity will be lower-risk if it is done outside or in a well-ventilated location and individual or physically distanced activities will also be a lower-risk option.  For some, this could mean doing yoga videos or using a stationary bike at home, working out with a friend via video chart, and for others it may mean walking or running outside with headphones while talking to a friend (a BONUS for combining 1, 2, & 3!)  

4. Eat well

Food is fuel for our body and our brain, and critical to our energy levels. A lot of people don't know that there are nutrients in our foods that we specifically need for the production of the chemicals in our brain that promote our sense of well-being.  Plus, it can be pleasurable!  Especially when enjoyed with others.  Right now, enjoying food with people in your home/bubble or, perhaps, virtually or physically distanced in a well-ventilated location, allows us to couple connecting with nutrition.

5. Laugh

Humor is one of the healthiest ways we can cope with stress, and we can be intentional about it.  Tell jokes with friends, share memes, watch funny videos on the internet, stream your favorite comedy, or find an old, ridiculous B horror movie and make fun of it with friends (that's how I got through one particularly stressful college semester!)  Right now, there should be no impediments to finding something to laugh at.

6. Rest

Sleep is necessary, not only for our basic biology, but also for our emotional well being.  Everything feels worse when we are not getting enough sleep OR the right kind of sleep.  There are a TON of things that go into getting good sleep -- just do an internet search on "sleep hygiene" and you can pull up an exhaustive list.  Here are a couple keys: 1) Have regular sleep and wake times,  AND 2) Put away electronics (Yes, the phone!  Yes, I know this is the hardest!) a minimum of 30 minutes before bed.  If scrolling through social media is your impediment, you can set your phone to limit your time on those apps.  That really does help!  Right now, it can be extra hard to maintain a routine with everything, well, not normal, but following those key suggestions will go a long way.

7. Be kind to yourself

This can be thought of in a couple different ways.  First, carve out time for yourself to do things you like to do (in addition to #1-6) and to relax or meditate.  Read, water your plants, sing a song, knit, bake, draw, watch that movie you've been aching to see, lie in a hammock, download (and use) one of the many free apps that support meditation or breathing exercises; do whatever it is that  provides you with pleasure or peace.  Second, give yourself permission to not do everything (which WILL mean saying "no" at times or, see #1, asking for help) and the things you do, expect to not do them perfectly.  It's OK to not be perfect.  Right now, we may not have access to all of our usual favorite activities and old commitments may have been replaced with WAY more new ones than we had before, but it is definitely an opportunity to explore new activities AND to use #1-7 in order to get through everything you have going on right now.