Self-Care During COVID-19 A.K.A #CopingWithCovid

During a time of so much uncertainty and information overload, it is important to make time for self-care, especially while in recovery. The Coronavirus, or COVID-19, is spreading rapidly and the world has banded together to stay inside, practice social distancing, work from home, stop going to school, and work to stop the spread of this virus. With activities limited to the confinement of the home, it is important to find ways to practice self-care during COVID-19.

Self Care During COVID-19: Practicing Healthy Social Distancing

According to the Los Angeles Times, social distancing means no mass gatherings or any other meet-ups in places where people may congregate, and if you absolutely must be out in public, maintain a six-foot radius of personal space. Essentially, it’s the new, official way of avoiding close contact with others and remaining home.

However, this can quickly lead to “cabin fever” or feelings of loneliness and isolation, which can be triggering for individuals in recovery. Ways you can practice healthy social distancing without feeling too alone as part of self-care during COVID-19 include:

  • Checking in on friends and family daily. Spend some time every day to check in on your friends and family with phone calls rather than text messages. Since everyone is in the same social distancing boat, chances are they will welcome the interaction, as well.
  • Join virtual meetings. Luckily, recovery meetings are now readily available online during this time. Rather than taking the chance on avoiding important meetings, check the internet for one you can join. Not only will you find the support you need, but you will be able to meet new people from all over the country — or the world.
  • Keep up with social media. As mentioned, everyone is in the same situation as you, and the internet is full of lighthearted jokes, memes, and conversations surrounding COVID-19 and social distancing. If you need cheering up, go check them out and share with friends.

Eating Healthy

With restaurants limited to take-out only and limited goods at local stores, it can be easy to eat unhealthily. This is especially true with increased stress levels and craving comfort food. While there’s nothing wrong with indulging every now and then, it is important to do so in moderation. One of the best ways you can practice self-care during COVID-19 is by eating healthy.

Ways to eat healthy during COVID-19 include:

  • Try cooking new recipes
  • Sign up for a meal delivery service for easy-to-cook meals
  • Ordering healthy meals from restaurants if you’re low on food supplies

Staying Active

Since gyms and fitness centers are closed to help slow the spread of the virus, you will need to find new ways to stay active and work off extra stress and anxiety. Easy ways to stay active at home include:

  • Follow fitness instructors on social media. As a way to drum up new business and keep current clients happy during this time, many fitness instructors have turned to social media to upload workouts or fitness tips. Spend some time to see what you might be able to use in your daily life at home, or reach out to one and ask how they can help train you at home.
  • Check YouTube for videos to follow along with. Whether you are into yoga, need some cardio, or have a set of weights, there is a wealth of videos on places like YouTube and Vimeo that you can follow along with and get a great workout right in your living room.
  • Clean, clean, clean! Spend this time to clean out your closets, organize your cabinets, clean those windows, wipe the baseboards, do that mountain of laundry, and finally fix those broken things around the house. Not only will it keep you physically active, but the mental stimulation will make you nice and sleepy at the end of the day.

Ways to Relax

Finding new ways to unwind at the end of the day without drugs or alcohol can seem difficult while confined at home. A great way to practice self-care during COVID-19 is by finding ways to relax that do not include substances. Some suggestions include:

  • Putting on your favorite funny movies
  • Wearing comfy pajamas and putting on a spa mask
  • Putting on calm music and practicing your meditation skills
  • Play internet games with friends and family
  • Go to bed early and wake up early to get a good night’s sleep

About Cliffside Malibu

Self-care during COVID-19 is extremely important to not only alleviate stress and anxiety but to stay sober. However, if you happen to have a slip-up, let us know. We can help you.

Since no two addictions are the same, we develop individualized treatment plans for every client at Cliffside Malibu. We are committed to providing evidence-based treatment through a continuum of care model across a range of levels of care, including medically supervised detox, residential treatment, day treatment, and outpatient services. Our program includes family therapy and holistic therapy, as well. Whether an individual is suffering from substance abuse and/or alcohol addiction, our programs are structured to create a supportive environment where healing can begin.

In addition to world-class treatment, Cliffside Malibu offers luxury accommodations, a serene environment, five-star dining, and plentiful amenities. We understand that addiction treatment is a rigorous process. Therefore, we provide for your comfort and relaxation at every turn, allowing you to rejuvenate, and meet the demands of treatment with your greatest energy and attention.

For more information on Cliffside Malibu, visit cliffsidemalibu.com