Self-care is others’ care too!

As a parent, you undoubtedly cherish quality time with your little ones; however, you might not have anticipated spending quite as much time together as you have been lately. Where’s the time for self-care?

The pandemic has changed the way our new normal looks, at least for a little while. We’re now practicing social distancing, self-isolation, and quarantine as a way of daily life. That means one thing: a ton of togetherness.

Going full-steam ahead can leave you feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and burnt out in a matter of days. That’s why we’re here. Today, we’re sharing a few self-care tips to help weary parents like you make the best of this time and emerge healthier, happier, and more at peace than ever before.

Take a break from that new homeschooling schedule, pour a third cup of coffee, and read on!

Take a news break.

Yes, it’s critical to stay informed on the latest COVID-19 news, including where it’s spreading and the closures occurring in your area. That’s part of self-care.

However, that doesn’t mean you have to saturate your entire day with updates. It’s prevalent on every device you own, from your television to your smartphone. It’s all over social media and the topic of every dinner table conversation.

It’s also anxiety-inducing and can leave your nerves feeling even more shot than they were before.

As you’re staying informed, don’t forget to take 15-minute breaks, free of any kind of virus-speak. Turn off the television, close your apps, and sit in silence. You can also listen to relaxing music, take deep breaths, or practice meditation.

Kids don’t understand the concept of quiet? Turn on Cosmic Kids Yoga and help them discover a pint-sized version of zen.

Move your body.

This might feel like the ideal time to make a mom-sized imprint on the couch, and while relaxation is key, lofting around lazily can leave you feeling even more ragged and tired.

Try to set aside at least 30 minutes each day to engage in light exercise. You don’t have to train for a marathon or hit a new personal weightlifting goal. Simply engage in any kind of movement you enjoy!

This might mean taking a walk around the block, hosting an impromptu kitchen dance party, or taking out some stress on that boxing bag in the basement. Break a sweat, release those endorphins, and wiggle out the worries.

Nourish your body.

Quarantine snacks are real—and absolutely necessary! While you’re chowing down on chips and stockpiling the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Eggs, don’t forget to fill your body with the real nutrients it needs. Doing so is key to boosting your immune system and helping ward off any germs.

That means taking the time to make meals filled with lean protein, hearty grains, and whole fruits and veggies. While the grocery store shelves might be a little more bare than they were before, there are still ways to get creative in the kitchen.

Need a little inspiration? The New York Times put together a list of easy, practical recipes to practice while you’re home. Follow along, get the whole crew involved, and don’t forget to stay hydrated!

Make these two lists.

Self-care and others’ care takes planning. Every evening, make it a point to jot down two important lists: a to-do list for the next day and 10 things you’re grateful for.

Keep the to-do list realistic, making sure to pencil in quiet time, naps, and outdoor play.

Especially if you’re teaching your little ones at home for the first time, you might feel pressured to churn out mini Einsteins by the time this season is over. Ease into this transition, allow them to help with the schedule, and remember to look for learning opportunities everywhere, especially in nature!

With your gratitude list, take the time to redirect your mind away from what you don’t have (coffee with friends, office mates, playgroups), and instead, focus on the beautiful things that are within your reach, some of which might be closer than ever before.

This might be the chance to catch the sunset, spend more time around the table with your family, or indulge in that elaborate skincare routine you never had time to tackle before. There’s nothing too minuscule to add, so let your mind roam.

Learn a new hobby.

You shouldn’t feel pressured to spend your self-quarantine time learning a brand-new language or becoming a coding wizard. But, this is the time to dig into any interests you’ve always wanted to explore!

Start on sites like edX or Skillshare, where you’ll find hundreds of free online courses on every subject under the sun. While you’re connected, you can also check out Yale’s most popular course ever, “The Science of Well-Being.” All of the content, which covers scientifically proven ways to derive more happiness from everyday life, is available for free via Coursera.

Looking for more learning opportunities online? Check out some of the innovative technology we’re using to improve your oral health!

Reach out to loved ones.

We are fortunate to live in an era where being physically separated doesn’t mean total isolation. Thanks to Facebook, FaceTime, Zoom, and a slew of other video and messaging apps, we can virtually check in with our friends and loved ones.

When this full-time, at-home parenting gig starts to feel a little impossible, remember you’re not alone.

Hop on your device and chat with your family members. Send an e-mail to your co-workers, along with a funny meme or two. Get out the old-fashioned stationery and write a letter to someone in the nursing home. You can even set up a virtual book club!

Connecting is essential to regaining your sanity, calming your anxiety, and helping ease those feelings of isolation you might be feeling now more than ever before.

Practice these self-care tips, one day at a time.

It’s no secret that parenting is one of the toughest jobs in the world. But it’s also one of the most rewarding.

In the midst of this pandemic, where everything feels up in the air, it can be easy to lose track of your sense of normalcy. You might feel unsettled, uncertain, or even panicked. That’s why it’s important to take time out to practice these self-care tips and give plenty of attention to your physical, mental, and emotional health.

By checking in with yourself, you can turn this time into one of the most special and memorable seasons for your family. Give yourself a break, take a deep breath, and remember to recharge. If you need anything from our office, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

We’re in this together, one day at a time.