The truth is, if you're not taking care of yourself, you're not going to be much help to those around you, and it might actually be harder to get things done. "Creating time for yourself is essential to your emotional and physical health," explains Madeleine DiLeonardo, MEd, LPC, NCC, CCATP, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Mind Body and Soul by DiLeonardo Wellness. "Without this restorative time, we can become burnt out, experience increased feelings of anxiety or stress, or feel unable to effectively function in other aspects of our lives."
You might find that you need some "me" time more than ever right now when tension and stress levels are higher than ever. It can be even harder to find a moment if you're quarantining with others. But even just a couple of minutes can help. "When things are stressful, setting time aside to address your needs can help relieve stress," says Brittney Cobb, MSW, LCSW, founder of Be Well Mental Health & Consulting Services. "Be kind to yourself. Remember you are surviving a pandemic. Find ways to practice gratitude. Think about some things you are grateful for at the moment. Eat to fuel your body, not your feelings."