Do you have a lot of down time during the COVID-19 epidemic? Today, national anxiety is at an all-time high. People are struggling with increased isolation and panic, and report feeling a bit touch-starved. Here are some great ways to curve the boredom, decrease anxiety, and increase a sense of connection to yourself and others.
Stay connected to friends and family through text, letters, and portals such as Facetime or Zoom
Go out into the woods, your back yard, or a local park (pay attention to the sounds, smells, sites, and don’t shy away from touching plants, rocks, water, dirt, etc.)
Read some books (see below for ideas)
Listen to podcasts
Practice yoga, mindfulness, or reconnect to your spiritual practices
Get creative: make art, color in a coloring book, write a story, or create something with your hands
Try a new recipe or bake something interesting
Journal or set goals for yourself (short and long-term)
Host a cyber movie night with friends
As a culture, we thrive on productivity and work ethic. So much so that it can easily become a distraction from being present with ourselves emotionally and relationally. Use this time to tune-in. Pay attention to the sensations that show up in your body. Notice the emotions tied to those sensations. Be kind to yourself and be curious about what things you may have been distracted from. Use this opportunity to do some emotional self-care. Use this time to check in with old friends or family members to ask how they are doing. Offer support. Obtain support.
If you are stumped on what to read, below are some wonderful books that address a variety of relational issues with family, partners, and interpersonal.
This post was written by:
HBH partner, Stone Mill Couple and Family Therapy - Rachel M. Croce, LIMFT
BOOKS FOR ANYONE AND EVERYONE
"Growing Yourself Up" by Jenny Brown, Ph.D.
"The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma" by Bessel Van Der Kolk, M.D.
BOOKS FOR THE SINGLE OR DATING
"Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment and How It Can Help You Find and Keep Love" by Amir Levine, M.D. and Rachel Heller, M.A.
BOOK FOR COUPLES
"Hold Me Tight: Seven Conversations for a Lifetime of Love" by Dr. Sue Johnson
BOOKS FOR PARENTS
"The Montessori Child" by Simone Davies
"Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child" by John Gottman, Ph.D.
Comments