Self-care has never been more important.
Sep 04, 2023 by Eileen Adler
Clinicians, researchers, professors, and other psychologists need to continue to prioritize self-care. We have all these concerns ourselves, and then we must provide support as our care receiver struggles with them, too.
Prioritize. Make a plan of action by listing your personal priorities and be sure to add self-care to your schedule. Committing to self-care will preserve your ability to rise to your challenges. 
Pivot, if necessary. Challenge the change.
Stick to a routine. Routines gives a sense of normalcy to the otherwise abnormal situation we’re in.
Don’t skimp on the basics. Eating healthy food, getting enough sleep and being active are foundations of good self-care.
Life Lesson: find some joy in everything you do. A smile goes a long way.
Stick to a routine. Routines gives a sense of normalcy to the otherwise abnormal situation we’re in.
Don’t skimp on the basics. Eating healthy food, getting enough sleep and being active are foundations of good self-care.
Stay connected. “It’s such a breath of fresh air to be able to see people and laugh with them,” says Gebhardt, who recently enjoyed a.png)
“family Zoom date” with relatives from around the world. “The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up.” —Mark Twain
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Limit news consumption. Checking the news or social media constantly or having the news on in the background only causes unnecessary distress.
Practice mindfulness and other relaxation techniques. Meditation, yoga, even mindful breathing are ways to slow things down. “Breath is the bridge which connects life to consciousness, which unites your body to your thoughts. Whenever your mind becomes scattered, use your breath as the means to take hold of your mind again.” ― Thich Nhat Hanh
Learn something new. The library and online resources are a good way to distract yourself from the news and keep yourself engaged in learning.
Watch for signs of trouble in yourself. Even after the crisis eases, you may be at risk of burnout or even post-traumatic stress disorder. For many people, they first experience mental health symptoms as physical symptoms, such as muscle tension, a clenched jaw, increased heart rate or chest pressure, irritability, a lack of empathy or an inability to connect with others. Don’t wait until you’re in a crisis to secure help.
Cut yourself some slack. It’s important to be kind to others—and to us.
“family Zoom date” with relatives from around the world. “The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up.” —Mark TwainLimit news consumption. Checking the news or social media constantly or having the news on in the background only causes unnecessary distress.
Be mindful of substance use. You may be using alcohol or other substances to temporarily relieve boredom or stress, but please be mindful of the slippery slope. The same holds true for eating, a little ice cream feels good, a whole pint usually doesn’t.
Practice mindfulness and other relaxation techniques. Meditation, yoga, even mindful breathing are ways to slow things down. “Breath is the bridge which connects life to consciousness, which unites your body to your thoughts. Whenever your mind becomes scattered, use your breath as the means to take hold of your mind again.” ― Thich Nhat Hanh
Learn something new. The library and online resources are a good way to distract yourself from the news and keep yourself engaged in learning.
Watch for signs of trouble in yourself. Even after the crisis eases, you may be at risk of burnout or even post-traumatic stress disorder. For many people, they first experience mental health symptoms as physical symptoms, such as muscle tension, a clenched jaw, increased heart rate or chest pressure, irritability, a lack of empathy or an inability to connect with others. Don’t wait until you’re in a crisis to secure help.
Cut yourself some slack. It’s important to be kind to others—and to us.
Life Lesson: find some joy in everything you do. A smile goes a long way.