How to practice self-care during COVID-19

Several months into a pandemic, many people may be feeling frustrated, exhausted, and worried as we look forward and hope for a return to “normal life” as soon as possible. Daily life has changed drastically for most people, with routines being disrupted and the lines between work-life and home-life being blurred. As we continue to navigate a challenging reality, it’s more important than ever to focus on self-care.

Self-care is important for our physical and mental wellbeing and can look very different for each person.

In this blog post, we’ll lay out some common self-care tips and ideas to get you started.

What is self-care?

Self-care is exactly what it sounds like, actions that we take to promote a healthy mind and body. Even in a pre-Covid-19 world, our busy lives often get in the way of focusing on our health; sometimes we may even think it’s “selfish” to focus on self-care. But as we continue to work through the struggles of life in a pandemic, it’s important to acknowledge that our physical and mental health not only matter but are fundamental to success in every other aspect of our lives. If we don’t have our health, it makes everything else (work, relationships, etc.) just that much harder.

Self-care tips

Here are some general tips for self-care:

• Set boundaries: there’s time to work and time for you and/or your family. If you’re working from home, when you’re done for the day, walk away from your workspace until the next day, just like when you would arrive home from the office. If you can’t walk away because your workspace is also your kitchen or living room, close your computer and notebook, and take a walk outside. Setting boundaries can also mean limiting your screen time, limiting how much news you read (information overload can be stressful and overwhelming), and learning to say “no” when it’s right for you.
• Stick to a routine: whether you’re working or not, routine has a way of making us feel like we have control over something. During a pandemic, for which we have no control on its outcome, this can be particularly empowering. Your routine might include exercise, shower, breakfast, work, reading, a hobby, or going outside for fresh air.
• Organization is the key to success: this applies to your personal and professional life, alike. Keep track of tasks to complete or goals to achieve. Make lists, keep your workspace and home neat, track your progress; all of these will make you feel productive and, once again, in control of the aspects of your life that you can control.
• Get enough sleep: this is sometimes easier-said-than-done, especially when we are stressed. However, sleep is crucial to good health and an important part of everyone’s self-care regimen. Try establishing a sleep hygiene that works for you. That may include things like meditation, a cup of tea in the evening, keeping the window open at night for fresh air, limiting screen time before bed, etc.
• Keep in touch: in a time where in-person contact may be limited, it’s important to maintain as much social contact as possible. Thanks to technology that’s readily available, it’s easy to still see our loved one’s faces via video chat. Keep in regular contact with the people whose company you enjoyed in person; that can mean co-workers, friends, and family.
• Stay active: physical activity boosts the happy chemicals in our brains like serotonin. You don’t necessarily have to lift weights or run every day but even a daily walk around your block can do some good.
• Stay hydrated: hydration is important for many reasons, including regulating body temperature, delivering nutrients to your cells, maintaining good eye health and even improving your mood and thinking abilities.

While in-person activities are limited in many cities around the world, we are able and happy to welcome you in our clinics, with updated safety protocols in place. We also offer virtual consultations from the comfort of your own home, should that be more convenient for you.Getting LASIK can definitely be an act of self-care, as it can improve your daily quality of life. If you’ve been thinking about finally getting rid of your glasses or contacts, book your free consultation today!